The Queensland Police Service has launched Operation Yankee Forge in Carins, a six-month enhanced statewide operation aimed at reducing victims of crime and targeting offenders who cause the most harm in our communities.
Police are forging ahead into the streets and suburbs of Cairns and throughout Queensland, targeting high-harm offending in high-crime locations. Focusing on unlawful use, robbery and unlawful entry offences, police will be highly visible preventing, disrupting and investigating crime.
The operation is locally led and centrally coordinated, leveraging the knowledge and experience of police officers who know their communities best. Specialist capabilities will be drawn upon by the district for greater support, with the State Flying Squad set to be deployed in Far North District imminently.
Operation Forge will build on the success of Operation Xray Everdeen in Cairns which focused on targeting high-risk offenders causing harm in the community.
More than 2,060 offenders have been charged with 6,953 offences during Operation Xray Everdeen since its launch in August 2025. Offences include unlawful use of a motor vehicle, enter dwelling and commit, robbery, stealing, burglary, domestic violence offences, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. During the 5,905 police wandings (handheld metal detectors) police seized 39 weapons.
During his first week as Acting Commissioner, Brett Pointing APM visited Cairns to launch Operation Forge and commend police on the success of Operation Everdeen.
"We've seen great results from Operation Everdeen, and I anticipate we will continue to see this during Operation Forge," Acting Commissioner Pointing said.
"The operation will be rolled out in Far North District and simultaneously across the state, tackling crime and forging strong community connection.
"The QPS is committed to combating crime that impacts everyday Queenslanders.
"I want to send a clear message to criminals - if you cause harm in our communities, you will be held to account.
"I would like to thank our people for the incredible work they do each day and for their unwavering support to their communities during this operation."
Speaking to Operation Everdeen's achievements, Far North District Officer Chief Superintendent Kevin Fitzgibbon said the results to date show the great work of police officers and commitment to disrupting offending.
"These officers live and work in this community, and work tirelessly to keep it safe and hold offenders accountable," said Chief Superintendent Fitzgibbon.
"We know that taking both a high-visibility and covert approach to identifying and preventing crime is key to reducing the number of victims and the fear of crime.
"We will continue these proactive activities during Operation Forge, including bail compliance checks, wandings and engaging with the community."
Evidence of Everdeen at work
Everdeen has increased safety on Carins streets by preventing, investigating and disrupting offenders:
Stolen vehicle
On 24 February, PD Duke was deployed to Mooroobool after a Hyundai i30 stolen from a Bayview Heights the night before was abandoned on Mestrez Street.
PD Duke tracked a 16-year-old Manunda boy and a 17-year-old Edmonton boy to a nearby property.
The 16-year-old boy was charged with two counts of unlawful use of motor vehicle and one count each of enter dwelling and stealing. He was refused bail to appear in the Cairns Childrens Court on 25 February.
The 17-year-old was charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He is due to appear in the Cairns Childrens Court on 4 March.
Post and boast of stolen vehicle
On 12 February, a 16-year-old boy was charged after he allegedly posted videos on social media from inside a Toyota Rav4 stolen Manoora home on 28 December, and while driving a stolen Audi Q5.
He was charged with two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle at night and publish on social media.
He is remanded in custody and is due to appear in the Cairns Childrens Court on 27 February.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
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