Detectives from the Dalby Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU) have charged a 17-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man following a protracted investigation into multiple stealing and vehicle offences in Ipswich, Toowoomba and Dalby over the past five months.
On April 27, it is alleged a 17-year-old stole a 2017 LDV minibus from a South Street address in South Toowoomba.
The vehicle was located in Wulkuraka on 2 May.
On September 8, it is alleged a 17-year-old stole a 1996 Toyota Hiace from a Henry Street address in Dalby.
The vehicle was later discovered in Bowenville after it had been extensively damaged by fire.
On three separate occasions between 5 June to 21 July the 17-year-old is also alleged to have stolen fuel from petrol stations in Charlton, Augustine Heights and Haigslea.
On 4 September police were called to a cemetery on the Bunya Highway at Dalby following reports of a person acting suspiciously.
It is alleged when officers got out of the vehicle and approached the driver, the 19-year-old accelerated past officers back onto the highway leaving the scene.
The 19-year-old is also alleged to have evaded police on 29 September while driving on the Warrego Highway at Dalby and again on 1 November on Condamine Street in Dalby.
Around 4.30pm on 1 October, police executed a search warrant at a Dalby address where it is alleged officers located a handmade firearm, ammunition, drugs, and stolen property including tools, copper wire and electrical devices, taking a 17-year-old boy and a 19 year old man into custody.
A 17-year-old Dalby boy has been charged with 14 offences including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a motor vehicle, stealing and evade.
He is due to appear in the Dalby Childrens Court today.
A 19-year-old Dalby man has been charged with 12 offences including unlawful possession of weapons, evade, receiving tainted property and stealing.
He is due to appear in the Dalby Magistrates Court today.
Investigations continue.
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.
Operation Whiskey Firestorm is a high-impact statewide initiative designed to tackle the critical issues of firearm safety and illicit firearms.
The operation is sending a clear message about the importance of proper firearm storage and the role licenced firearm owners play in ensuring community safety. Operation Whiskey Firestorm is also focusing on a coordinated statewide response to the investigation, prevention and disruption activities involving illicit firearms offences and violent firearm related offending.
This operation comes in response to 2024 statistics which saw 1,055 firearm licenses revoked, and over 3,290 offences involving firearms, including serious offences such as attempted murder, assault, robbery and unlawful entry.
The QPS will be conducting extensive audits, coordinating regional operations, and working with licensed firearm owners to ensure they meet safety and ownership rules and regulations.
