crime Archives - Chermside News

Major Property Crime Bust Nets 17 Charges as Police Step Up Chermside Patrols

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

Tingalpa Man Faces Multiple Charges After Geebung Business Break-In

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane North

A 41-year-old man from Tingalpa is facing multiple charges after allegedly breaking into a Geebung business and stealing copper wiring in the early hours of 22 July.

Police were called to a Bilsen Road business around 4.15am following reports of an intruder allegedly cutting copper wiring from the premises. Officers responding to the incident later intercepted a silver Subaru Forrester travelling on the same street.

During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly discovered multiple spools of copper wiring in various lengths and sizes, along with bolt cutters, drug paraphernalia, and personal documents belonging to someone else. The investigation revealed that the registration plates on the intercepted vehicle had allegedly been stolen from a nearby vehicle dealership, and the driver was unlicensed.

The incident reflects a broader trend across Queensland, where copper theft has become a growing community concern, impacting energy, communication and transport networks, as well as local schools, sporting clubs and other properties. Police in Townsville have reported that more than 1,000 kilograms of copper has been stolen from local businesses since the start of 2025, highlighting the scale of the issue facing communities across the state.

The accused has been charged with seven offences: entering premises and committing an indictable offence, receiving tainted property, possessing equipment intended for use in break and enter activities, possessing drug utensils, driving without a licence, stealing, and using a vehicle with false number plates attached.

He appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court and has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 28 August.

The case underscores the serious nature of copper theft, which causes unnecessary costs and disruption to utility providers, businesses, residents, and community organisations. Local authorities have been working to address the issue, with detectives running Operation Victor Surface targeting copper theft across North Brisbane and the Moreton Bay area.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Anyone with information about this incident can contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or phone 131 444. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

The reference number for this case is QP2501280553.

Published 28-July-2025

Six Charged Over Chermside Jewellery Store Robbery

Photo Credit: myPolice Bayside

Six people, including a 16-year-old boy, have been charged following a violent armed robbery at a Chermside jewellery store that left the owner requiring emergency brain surgery.

The shocking incident unfolded at a business on Gympie Road on 10 June, when masked offenders armed with hammers and metal bars burst into the store shortly after 5pm. The attack was witnessed by customers, including a child, who watched in horror as the group smashed glass display cabinets and made off with a substantial quantity of expensive jewellery.

The store owner suffered serious head injuries after allegedly being struck with a hammer during the robbery. He required emergency surgery to remove a haematoma on his brain and was treated at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

**Honda believed to have been stolen from an Alfred Circuit address at Calamvale on Sunday, June 8**
Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

Queensland Police launched an intensive investigation following the brazen daylight attack. Last week, detectives executed search warrants at multiple homes and vehicles across Brisbane and Logan, uncovering items allegedly linked to the robbery.

The arrests culminated on Tuesday when a 25-year-old Carseldine man and 22-year-old Goodna man were intercepted during a vehicle stop. Officers also located three additional suspects: a 25-year-old man from Goodna, a 29-year-old man from Inala, and a 20-year-old man from Loganlea.

All five adult men have been charged with a series of serious offences, including acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, armed robbery, entering premises with intent, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and endangering a child by exposure. The 16-year-old boy faces similar charges along with additional drug and property offences.

The accused appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, with police strongly opposing bail applications for the group. The matter will return to court next month.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ken Rogers emphasised the priority placed on apprehending the offenders, stating that detectives had been working around the clock to ensure community safety following the violent attack.

The investigation remains active, with police still seeking a 21-year-old Mount Gravatt man who they believe may have been involved in the incident. The suspect is known to frequent the Logan and Inala areas.

**Detectives are appealing for information into the whereabouts of a 21-year-old man from Mount Gravatt, known to frequent the Logan and Inala areas.**
Photo Credit: myPolice Bayside

Detectives are also examining potential links between the Chermside robbery and an armed robbery at a Lutwyche jewellery store that occurred in May, as they work to determine whether the incidents are connected.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime targeting small businesses in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, with the jewellery store owner continuing his recovery from the serious injuries sustained during the attack.

Published 17-July-2025

Violent Assault in Huxtable Park Under Investigation

Detectives from the Carseldine Criminal Investigation Branch are seeking public assistance following a violent assault that occurred last night, September 5, in Huxtable Park.

According to police reports, a 29-year-old man from Bracken Ridge was attacked while sitting in his parked vehicle at approximately 11 PM on September 5. The victim was assaulted by a group of unidentified individuals who fled the scene in a white car, heading towards Hamilton Road.

Upon arrival at the scene, police found the victim with non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency services transported the man to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for treatment.

Authorities have declared the area a crime scene and are conducting a thorough investigation. They are particularly interested in any surveillance footage or dashcam video that may have captured the white car in the vicinity of Huxtable Park around 11 PM last night, the time of the assault.

They are asking anyone with information to contact Policelink by using the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, reports can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

The case reference number for this incident is QP2401531516.

Published 6-September-2024

Chermside Man Arrested After High-Speed Pursuit with Stolen Vehicle

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A 25-year-old Chermside man was apprehended following a high-speed pursuit through local streets last Friday night. The incident, which began shortly before 10 pm on August 23, involved a white Holden Colorado utility that had been reported stolen from a Banyo business on August 21.

Police first spotted the allegedly stolen vehicle speeding along Rode Road. The driver, attempting to evade capture, made a sharp left turn onto Sydney Street, continuing to drive dangerously through the suburb. The chase came to an end when the vehicle stopped at the Carseldine rail station carpark.

In a desperate attempt to escape, the sole occupant fled on foot, prompting a coordinated response from local police and the Dog Squad. Their efforts led them to a residence near Bellara Street, where the suspect was successfully apprehended.

The 25-year-old Chermside resident now faces multiple charges, including entering premises and committing an indictable offence, receiving tainted property, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and dangerous operation of a vehicle. He was remanded in custody and scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 26.

This incident highlights the ongoing issues of vehicle theft in the area and the swift response of local law enforcement. Residents of Chermside and surrounding suburbs are advised to remain vigilant and secure their vehicles properly.

Police are urging anyone with additional information about this incident to come forward.

Information can be provided via the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, reports can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Authorities have provided the reference numbers QP2401419686 and QP2401431419 for this case.

Published 29-August-2024

James Morton Mason: Man Who Set Fatal Fire Loses Appeal Bid

Photo Credit: Facebook / Zoey Kramar

James Morton Mason, the man who brutally murdered his partner Alexis Parkes by setting fatal fire to her home in a horrific act of domestic violence loses in his attempt to overturn his conviction on appeal.

**Alexis Parkes**
Photo Credit: Change.org

James Morton Mason was sentenced to life in prison in December 2022 after being found guilty by a jury of the callous murder of 50-year-old Parkes. On Tuesday, the Brisbane Court of Appeal dismissed Mason’s claims that there were errors in how the trial judge instructed the jury.

The harrowing details presented at trial were that in February 2020, after an argument with Parkes, Mason deliberately set fire to a car parked under her home in Chermside while she was inside. He then watched as the flames engulfed the house, trapping the defenseless Parkes.

Despite bystanders’ frantic efforts to rescue her, Parkes suffered catastrophic burns to 80% of her body. The mother of four endured unimaginable agony before succumbing to multiple organ failure just four days later when her life support was withdrawn.

Mason’s unconscionable actions robbed four children of their mother in the most painful way imaginable. Yet at his appeal, his lawyer Sally Robb incredibly tried to argue the jury was not adequately informed on whether Mason meant to kill Parkes or just cause her grievous bodily harm.

However, the Appeal Court judges ruled the jury was properly instructed, with Justice Philip Morrison writing the defence’s position “was simply and clearly put” at trial. Mason’s murderous intent was laid bare by his shocking disregard for human life as he watched his partner’s home become an inferno.

This ruling confirms that Mason’s despicable crime met the highest legal standard of guilt for murder. While nothing can undo this unspeakable tragedy, the judges’ dismissal of his appeal provides a small measure of justice for Parkes and her loved ones.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact 1800 RESPECT for support and services, or call 000 if you are in immediate danger.

Published 4-June-2024

Fatal Traffic Crash Along Kittyhawk Dr and Murphy Rd

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A fatal traffic crash involving a pedestrian occurred in the early morning of 21 March 2024 at the intersection of Kittyhawk Drive and Murphy Road.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at approximately 5:15 am at the intersection.

The pedestrian involved in the crash was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.

The vehicle involved in the incident fled the scene, and police are currently searching for the suspect.

Authorities are urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage related to the incident to come forward.

Information can be provided to Policelink using the online suspicious activity form, available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, crime information can be reported via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or reporting online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

When providing information, please quote the reference number QP2400499386.

Published 23-March-2024