A 35-year-old West End man is behind bars facing 17 criminal charges following his arrest during heightened police patrols at Chermside shopping centre earlier this month.
The arrest forms part of Operation X-Ray Scutter, an ongoing coordinated policing initiative targeting crime prevention in and around Chermside’s retail precincts. Queensland Police allege the man committed various property crimes across multiple Brisbane suburbs between late June and early August.
The charges span a wide range of offences, from motor vehicle theft and breaking and entering to fraud and assault. Police arrested the man on 10 September during proactive patrols and he was subsequently remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 8 October.
The suburbs allegedly affected by the man’s activities include Spring Hill, Highgate Hill, Camira, Bellbird Park, Ipswich and New Farm, highlighting the widespread nature of the alleged offending.
Community Safety Focus
Operation X-Ray Scutter represents a collaborative approach to crime prevention, bringing together North Brisbane District Police, Griffith University, Workforce Resilience and other community partners. The operation launched in September with the specific aim of improving safety perceptions around Chermside shopping centres through strategic deployment of police resources.
As part of the initiative, officers from the Crime Prevention Unit have been conducting door-to-door visits in residential areas, including Playfield Street, distributing safety information to residents of multi-storey buildings and apartment complexes.
The community engagement aspect of the operation emphasises practical crime prevention measures that residents can implement themselves. Police are advising residents about the importance of securing communal building access, maintaining quality door and window locks, and ensuring balcony doors remain locked even when at home.
For residents with vehicles, police recommend removing all valuables from cars, securing registration plates with anti-theft screws, and ensuring garage doors close completely after each use. Bicycle owners are encouraged to photograph their bikes including serial numbers and store them in secure areas where possible.
Ongoing Presence
Chermside residents can expect to see continued police presence throughout the area as Operation X-Ray Scutter progresses. Officers are actively encouraging community members to approach them with concerns or simply to have a conversation about local safety issues.
The operation’s community-focused approach reflects a broader shift towards collaborative crime prevention, where police work alongside residents, educational institutions and other organisations to address safety concerns proactively rather than simply responding to incidents after they occur.
Anyone with information relevant to ongoing investigations can contact Policelink through their online reporting system at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444.
Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Published 13-September-2025
