Detectives from the Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch have charged a man following investigations into a series of property offences across Biggera Waters, Runaway Bay and Southport between 22 April and 10 May.
The arrest forms part of ongoing proactive policing activities under Operation Forge, a statewide initiative targeting property crime and serious repeat offenders.
Police will allege the offending began overnight on 22 April at a Biggera Waters shopping centre, where a Mercedes-Benz truck and a white Audi Q3 were broken into and damaged.
It will be further alleged that at approximately 1.15am on 23 April, the man entered a residential complex on East Quay Drive at Biggera Waters, where parcels were stolen from a mail area before a white BMW 320I parked in the underground carpark was allegedly entered and property including sunglasses stolen.
On 24 April, police will allege the same man entered a Runaway Bay sports club at approximately 4am after forcing entry through the front door and stealing cash from inside the premises.
Police further allege that between 2 and 3 May, the man entered a car wash business on Brisbane Road at Biggera Waters, stealing cash and vehicle keys from inside the premises.
It will be further alleged the man returned to the business the following morning, where extensive damage was caused to the premises and multiple customer vehicles, including a Holden Captiva, Mazda 3, Hyundai i30 and Subaru Liberty.
Police will allege the offender caused damage to property, stole property and attempted to steal one of the vehicles.
On 10 May, police will allege the man gained entry to a bowls club at Southport, where property including an Apple iPad and shoes were stolen.
As part of ongoing investigations, detectives executed a search warrant at a Biggera Waters address on 11 May. During a search of the residence, police allegedly located methylamphetamine, prescription medication, suspected stolen property and multiple clothing items allegedly linking the man to the offences.
Police also allegedly recovered property stolen from the bowls club and car wash business.
A 26-year-old Biggera Waters man has been charged with eight counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence, three counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence by break and one count each of enter premises with intent to commit indictable offence, possessing dangerous drugs, offence to buy or possess S4 or S8 medicines or hazardous poisons and receiving tainted property.
He is due to reappear at Southport Magistrates Court on 28 May.
Investigations remain ongoing.
Quote this reference number: QP2600846951
Operation Yankee Forge is a six-month, district-led, statewide initiative targeting high-harm and high-volume offences, including unlawful use of motor vehicles, unlawful entry and robbery.
The operation will enhance policing activities across Queensland to reduce victim numbers and strengthen community safety.
Police regions, supported by specialist squads, will undertake coordinated disruption activities across the state. Police will target high-harm offenders and work closely with partner agencies to ensure offenders are held accountable. With a strong focus on crime prevention, police will be highly visible as they prevent, disrupt and investigate offending, with particular emphasis on unlawful use, robbery and unlawful entry.
The operation will be locally led and centrally coordinated, leveraging the knowledge and experience of officers who know their communities best.
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 or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
