David Gardiner

Journalist

Police have charged a 16-year-old boy over a four week-long crime spree during which time he allegedly committed 26 offences relating to property, car theft and other traffic matters.

Police allege the boy committed the offences across the Greater Cairns area, breaking into homes and stealing keys and valuables – before then stealing cars.

They further allege the boy was captured on social media driving the vehicles dangerously.

He was taken into custody after midnight on Friday March 17 at an address in Manunda in Cairns.

He was charged with nine counts of enter dwelling and commit, seven counts of unlawful use of motor vehicle, four counts of stealing, two counts each of fraud and unlicenced driving and one count each of attempted enter dwelling and dangerous operation of a vehicle.

The boy is scheduled to re-appear in Cairns Children’s Court at a later date.

Wounding charge

Meanwhile, a 43-year-old Machans Beach man has been charged with one count of wounding.

Police, who charged the man on Friday, allege the offence occurred on December 22, 2022 – and that at approximately 11.30pm the 43-year-old was involved in an altercation with a 40-year-old Trinity Beach man.

It will be further alleged during the altercation, the 40-year-old suffered a knife wound to the arm causing non-life-threatening injuries.

Police were called and an investigation commenced.

Officers believe the men were known to each other.

The Machans Beach man will appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on April 5.