Victoria Stone-Meadows

Patrons of Oaks Resort were left in shock last week when a number of personal items were stolen from the lap pool area in a brazen daylight theft.

On Friday, 11 January, items including a money clip and a handbag were taken from the gazebo area next to the lap pool while people were swimming. 

Police believe it was one or two youths responsible for the theft but have not yet been able to identify the thieves.

“The people in the pool had left their items near the gazebo and some unknown juveniles have come in, stolen them, and run off,” Port Douglas Constable Brett Hodges said.

“We believe it was an opportunistic theft; they have observed the area and looked for an opportunity to take something.”

Port Douglas resident Bruce Wynn, who had a money clip with some cash stolen, said he has been using the lap pool for about 20 years without incident. 

“I carelessly left some cash and a highly valued money clip in my bag which are now missing,” he said.

“We have never had an incident here before and maybe that has caused people to become casual with their things but it still comes as a bit of a shock.”

However, Mr Wynn takes personal responsibility for his money clip going missing and suggested everyone be more thoughtful of where they store their belongings.

He said the police and the staff at Oaks Resort were very helpful and friendly when he reported his items missing.

“To be fair, I’m pretty casual when it comes to those things but I think all people like me need to pay a bit more attention to our belongings,” he said.

“It is unfortunate but the world is changing rapidly.”  

Police are currently investigating the matter but Constable Hodges asked everyone to be aware of their personal safety.

“Don’t leave valuables unsupervised at any time is the message we are trying to get across to people,” he said.

“Lock your cars and houses and don’t leave anything laying about.”

Police are asking any member of the public who knows about the incident to come forward and report to police.


If you have information for police, contact the Port Douglas Police Station on 4087 1999, Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.