An on-going investigation by State Crime Command's Major and Organised Crime Squad's (Rural) into the alleged theft of piglets from a Pittsworth piggery in November has resulted in detectives yesterday charging a 29-year-old Margate woman in relation to three separate incidents of alleged stock theft from farming properties on the Darling Downs.
Police commenced their investigation after several piglets were allegedly stolen from a Pittsworth piggery on November 10.
On November 20 detectives executed search warrants at addresses in Margate, Banyo and Currumbin Waters. Four women - a 29-year-old from Margate, a 27-year-old from Nudgee, a 21-year-old from Alexandra Hills and later a 21-year-old from Petrie were arrested and charged with enter with intent and stock stealing, as well as biosecurity offences.
Various court dates for the women include Redcliffe Magistrates on December 11 and Brisbane Magistrates Court on December 13.
As part of the ongoing investigation detectives yesterday executed a search warrant at a Woody Point address where they arrested a 29-year-old Margate woman.
She has been charged with four counts of enter premises with intent to commit an indictable offence, as well as issued with two infringement notices for breaches of the Biosecurity regulation of 'failing to comply with a biosecurity plan'. These infringements notices are the first to be issued in Queensland in relation to these matters and carry a fine of $667.25 each.
The charges relate to the alleged theft of chickens from a Canningvale poultry farm earlier this year, as well as the unlawful entry on two occasions (separate to November 10) of the same Pittsworth piggery.
The woman is due to appear in the Redcliffe Magistrates court in January 21, 2020.
Detective Acting Superintendent Troy Pukallus, Drug and Serious Crime Group, State Crime Command said police remain committed to ensuring the integrity of the food supply chain and would prosecute those who commit criminal offences or offences against Biosecurity.
"The Queensland Police Service is committed to supporting Biosecurity Queensland and local industry in ensuring the integrity of the food supply chain is not compromised through the unlawful actions of issue-motivated individuals or groups. Any person who commits these types of offences will be prosecuted."
If you have information for police, contact 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.
