Detectives from Bowen Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), with the assistance of Whitsunday Tactical Crime Squad officers, have charged seven people with 24 offences following a series of search warrant investigations in the Bowen area in late July.
As part of Operation Mackay Essence, police also conducted 43 street checks and administered 383 roadside breath tests (RBTs) and roadside drug tests (RDTs).
Police will allege that on 16 July, a 22-year-old Bowen man allegedly unlawfully entered a Bruce Highway business, stealing keys and a phone, and damaging property.
It will be further alleged the man entered a Champion Street facility on 17 July, and stole a vehicle.
It will be further alleged the man attempted to enter a Don Street business on 18 July, and unlawfully entered a Linley Street hotel and stole tools, a firearm, and ammunition on 21 July.
It will be further alleged the man unlawfully entered a Peter Delemothe Road business on 22 July.
The 22-year-old Bowen man has been charged with five counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence, two counts each of wilful damage, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and stealing firearm or ammunition, and one count of attempt enter premises with intent.
He has been remanded in custody and due to reappear before Bowen Magistrates Court on 1 September.
In a separate investigation, police will allege that between 16 and 21 June, a 20-year-old Bowen man allegedly stole fuel at a Bruce Highway service station, stole a trailer at a business on The Soldiers Road, stole property from a Bootooloo Road business, and unlawfully entered a Linley Street business.
The 20-year-old Bowen man has been charged with two counts of stealing, and one count each of stealing of a vehicle, and enter dwelling with intent.
He is due to appear before Bowen Magistrates Court on 18 August.
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.
