Brazen thieves targeting ‘soft underbelly’ of tourist town
PORT DOUGLAS
PORT Douglas is in the grip of an unprecedented crime spree with six cars stolen over the weekend.
Brazen thieves broke into homes on Nautilus Street, Mudlo Street and Davidson Street on Friday and Saturday night as the occupants slept, stealing car keys and a number of other valuables.
Port Douglas Police Senior Sergeant Damian Meadows said the criminals were targeting the ‘soft underbelly’ of the tourist town and warned locals to safeguard their homes and property over the coming nights.
Two of the stolen vehicles were recovered in the Cairns and South Cairns region.
“We have lost more cars in two days than we have for the entire year,” Senior Sergeant Meadows said.
“All evidence suggests that the perpetrators are not local.
“They are that brazen they will certainly break into your house while you’re watching television or fast asleep, and they will steal the keys to your motor vehicle from bench tops, bedside tables, you name it.”
Police will be conducting extra patrols and operations in Port Douglas this week but are urging residents to safeguard their homes and property.
Five cars were stolen ‘in one fell swoop’ in the early hours of Saturday morning, suggesting the criminals were driving up to Port Douglas in groups.
“As many as five of them are all arriving in town, stealing cars and taking off,” Meadows said.
“Complacency is a contributing factor in making us an easy target for these criminals so we need to make sure we’re securing valuables and being diligent.”
Residents with screen and security doors should ensure their entry is locked with the key ‘not the latch’.
The thieves have been cutting around fly screens to open door latches, and are targeting easily accessible valuables and motor vehicles.
“I’ve spoken to a number of the victims from the weekend and I can certainly understand their frustration,” Meadows said.
“Not only is it an invasion of their private space, their castle, but also stealing what is normally the second most expensive asset you have.”
It’s believed one of the recovered vehicles was used in a ram-raid on a Cairns bottle shop.
If you see anything suspicious, or to report a crime, call 000 or Police Link on 131 444.
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