Police are urging residents of unit complexes across Brisbane’s north, including Chermside, to be vigilant following a spate of car park thefts in the area.
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Since October 21, there has been an uptick in stealing offences from secure basement carparks, particularly overnight between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Several complexes in suburbs including Kedron, Chermside, and Mitchelton have been targeted.
The offenders have stolen items such as tools, wallets, bicycles, and motorcycles. In one incident, a Nissan TIIDA was allegedly stolen from a Chermside complex.
Police have released images of suspects wanted in connection with the car park theft. Anyone who recognises the individuals or notices suspicious behaviour around carparks is asked to contact Policelink.
To protect their property, police advise residents to properly lock cars, storage units, communal doors, and balcony doors. Storing fewer items in carpark lockups may also deter thefts.
Bicycle owners should store their bikes in locked storage when possible and think about detaching the wheel or seat when the bicycle is not in use.
Residents should also identify their building management’s role and have their phone number saved in case issues arise that require contacting them. It is vital that residents are familiar with evacuation routes and protocols in the event of emergencies.
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Installing quality locks, securing bikes to fixed objects, and noting serial numbers can also help secure items. Anyone with further information should provide it via Policelink’s online form or by calling 131 444.
Theft in Chermside
According to Queensland Police Service’s Online Crime Map, reported thefts in the Chermside area have declined slightly in the last six months compared to the previous six-month period.
Between 16 May and 15 November 2023, Chermside saw approximately 510 theft offences. In the preceding period from November 2022 to May 2023, Chermside dealt with 675 such incidents – a drop of around 25 percent. So whilst concerning, this current spree does not reflect an overall rising trend in local theft rates.
Published 16-November-2023