Acting Inspector Ed Lukin and Acting Chief Superintendent Brett Schafferius at the Trinity Beach Skate Park

Police will continue to target those seeking to damage community facilities in Trinity Beach following a spate of graffiti, break and enter and wilful damage offences at a Nautilus Street Sporting complex over the past month.

Police have so far charged four offenders over recent damage to the complex and will continue to work closely with The Cairns Regional Council, Member for Barron River Mr Michael Trout MP and various representatives from the sporting bodies utilising the complex to stamp out acts of reckless vandalism and damage to the facility.

“Initially our focus will be on covert patrols in and around this facility. This is a community facility, the senseless damage caused to this complex is unacceptable and we will seek to further identifying and arrest those responsible” said Acting Chief Superintendent Brett Schafferius.

The Cairns Regional Council Graffiti Trailer was on hand yesterday to assist in the removal of graffiti from signs and power poles at the complex.

Police wish to remind members of the community to report suspicious behaviour and criminal activity;

The Cairns Regional Council has partnered with the GraffitiSTOP program since 2012 to prevent and eradicate graffiti vandalism in the Local Government Area. GraffitiSTOP provides a number of avenues to report graffiti. For further information visit;

http://www.graffitistop.com.au/

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

Cannabis crop seizure, Cow Bay:  Police have charged two men following the alleged location of a cannabis Crop at Cow Bay yesterday.

Officers from the Cairns Tactical Crime Squad executed a search warrant at the Cypress Road property at around midday and allegedly located a large number of cannabis plants in varying stages of maturity as well as a quantity of cannabis and drug production equipment.

A 40-year-old man from Cow Bay and a 28-year-old Daintree man were charged with one count each of producing a dangerous drug, possession of a dangerous drug, possession of things used in connection with a crime and possession of drug utensils.

Both men are scheduled to appear in the Mossman Magistrates Court on September 10.

Second man charged over stolen police property, Cairns:  Detectives yesterday charged a 22-year-old Cairns North man as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of two protective body armour vests from a police vehicle on the weekend.

The vests were allegedly from the locked luggage compartment of the vehicle which was undergoing emergency repairs at a Bungalow windscreen business.

It will be further alleged the man had subsequent possession of the vests shortly before they were located outside a White Rock residence on Tuesday morning.

He was charged with one count each of possessing tainted property and unlawful possession of Category E weapons and is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court later on August 29.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.  

Man charged over CBD assault:  A 20-year-old Kuranda man was charged yesterday as part of an investigation into the alleged assault of a 27-year-old Brinsmead man in the Cairns CBD earlier this year.

It will be alleged the man was one of a group of three who punched and kicked the victim during a disturbance on Spence Street in the early hours of March 15.  The victim sustained non-life threatening facial injuries as a result of the incident and was treated at the scene before being transported to the Cairns Hospital.

The alleged offender was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm whilst in company and is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on September 2.

A 20-year-old Kewarra Beach man was charged in relation to the incident in June and investigations are continuing.   

Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a charitable community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service. 

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444.

Northern Region A/Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor addressed local media in Mooroobool yesterday

Police and communities working together.

Northern Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor acknowledged the commitment of the Far Northern District Police in their continued efforts to work with the community in reducing crime yesterday as he spoke with local media.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor that the reduction in crime has been achieved through enthusiastic policing and the effective partnerships developed within the community.

A/AC Taylor reported that offences against the person throughout the Far North District during the period of 2013-2014, were down by 255 reported offences which represented a 11% reduction.

Property offences were down by 1022 reported offences, which represents a 4% reduction and assaults were down by 2%, with 227 less reported offences.

Break-ins to homes were also on the decline with 319 less reported break-ins rounding out a 3% reduction and then 187 less cars stolen, which represents a 22% reduction.

This of course does not mean that we can relax. Members of the community should always be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour in their area.

Locals are urged to secure homes, vehicles and valuables and ensure items such as car keys are not left out on the likes of side tables or kitchen benches, and should be hidden from view. We suggest keeping your car keys with you or hide them in a safe secure place.

“A vehicle may be a families primary possession or their main mode of transport for work. If it’s stolen, the whole family is impacted greatly and in some instances it affects your ability to work and earn a living,” A/AC Taylor said.

“Stolen cars are providing offenders with opportunities to drive dangerously. It’s a game to them where they are racing around in these cars and they are putting everyone else’s lives in jeopardy.

“There is no doubt that great work is being done by our local policemen and women, but it’s greatly aided by community support. Community groups such as neighbourhood watch, crime prevention campaigns and the myPolice blog are providing opportunities for people to educate themselves on how to prevent crime, how to prevent becoming a victim and how to support their local police.

“That partnership is really paying dividends, but by no means have we got crime down to where it should be. This is not the end of the journey, this is the start of the journey.

“We are determined to work with the community and other key partners to focus on crime and crime reduction,” A/AC Taylor said.

Whilst these particular crimes have seen significant reductions, domestic and family violence offences have seen a 23% increase with the number of reported incidents increasing by 167.

“Our biggest concern at the moment is Domestic and Family violence. It’s the scourge within our community. There are individuals that continue to use violence as a means to communicate or, to end communication,” A/AC Taylor said.

“It’s not going to be tolerated and shouldn’t be tolerated by our community. Police are doing everything we can to bring perpetrators of domestic violence to account, but we also want people involved in domestic violence to realise that they can be empowered. When they make complaints, they can be assured that we will investigate them.”

“Domestic violence needs to be reported. If not for themselves, but for the sake of their children involved in that domestic violence environment. We know historically there is a higher likelihood of those children becoming perpetrators of violence and perpetrators and even victims of domestic violence as they get older,” A/AC Taylor said.

Local police have preferred an additional 345 drug related charges and some 300 additional good order related offences during this period and will continue to target offenders that come to their attention.

A/AC Paul Taylor & Member for Cairns Mr Gavin King MP collaborative approach

Member for Cairns, Mr Gavin King MP praised local police for their dedication and tireless work to make Cairns a safer city.

“Crime was one of the most pressing issues facing our city just a couple of years ago, particularly in the CBD, so I am extremely pleased with the latest statistics showing reductions in key categories of crime,” Mr Gavin King MP said.

“It’s only through strong partnerships between government, police, state agencies, and the community that we can truly tackle crime and make Cairns an even safer city. While there is still much work to do, these results are further proof that measures such as tougher laws, more police on the beat, and a whole-of-government approach are getting results.

“I congratulate police on these latest results and particularly commend them for their leadership role in the ground-breaking work being done by Safer Streets Taskforce,” Mr Gavin King MP.

The Online Crime Statistics Portal can be viewed at www.police.qld.gov.au

Information on how to help prevent crime, go to: QPS Crime Prevention Fliers

Information on domestic violence support services go to: DV Cairns

Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a charitable community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444.

Our police-dog-in training Axel has been put to the test this week undergoing his first introduction to conducting building searches. The training scenario appears to all be a game for 13-month-old Axel but what he doesn’t yet know that in years to come his duty as a police dog will call upon him to search for offenders in much the same situations.

That Dave, boy is he getting cheeky! You wouldn’t believe it but he gave my most favourite toy in the world to someone else, I love Dave but giving away my toy, come on!

Thankfully the toy thief didn’t go very far and I was able use my tracking skills to find him pretty quickly. The man must’ve known how much I loved my toy because as soon as I found him in the cupboard he threw the toy back to me.

Aside from that, I have been very busy the last two weeks. I’ve seen more kids than I can count!

Dave and Axel the centre of attention at a local school fete.

First I had a visit to a school fete, which was lots of fun! Not so much fun for Vader though, he was very grumpy, Dave even had to put a sign on the police car that said ‘bites’. I was so happy to see everyone but Vader just put his head down on the floor and growled every now and then.

Then I got to go and see a group of kids at a local school. They must really love me, those kids lined up for ages just to pat me. One kid thought he would be clever and take my toy from him. He quickly worked out that I won’t let go of it.

Happy Axel (left) the centre of attention at the fete. Not so happy Vader (right) hiding from view with a white sign on the cage indicating a grumpy dog.

“I’ll never let go!” Axel and Dave treat local Prep students to a school visit.

I’m looking forward to the weekend off, it’s been a busy couple of weeks. Catch you next time!

Axel

 Handler’s note:

• Often offenders will hide from police in buildings. As a fully trained police dog, it is highly likely that Axel will be called upon to search houses and buildings to locate offenders.
• To mimic such a scenario for Axel, we start off by making this a game. The assistant is given his toy and in the view of Axel he will run into the building holding it. In desperation to get his toy, Axel then uses his sight, sound and smell to locate the person with the toy.
• Initially the assistant rewards Axel by throwing his toys as soon as he indicates where he is hiding. This scenario will gradually progress to the stage where Axel will hopefully locate the assistant and sit and bark at the location where they are hiding. The toy will eventually be replaced for a bite sleeve.
• In my experience, offenders in real life will generally surrender themselves once the dog indicates where they are and starts barking. A very wise choice indeed.
• Axel did very well for his first attempt, it was amusing to see that he was conflicted between chasing after his toy and staying with me.

Drug charges, Westcourt: A 57-year-old Parramatta Park woman and a 44-year-old man from Holloways Beach were charged yesterday following a traffic intercept on Mulgrave Road.

The pair were pulled over at about 1pm and a search allegedly yielded a quantity of a morphine based drug as well as cannabis.

They were each charged with possession of a dangerous drug and are scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court later this month.  

Property charges, Bentley Park: Detectives yesterday charged a 33-year-old Bentley Park man following investigations into items of property seized from a Timberlea Drive residence last week.

Officers executed a search want at the residence on August 8 and allegedly seized a quantity of property suspected as being stolen. Subsequent inquiries into the property culminated in detectives charging the man with six counts of stealing, or alternatively receiving stolen property.

He is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court later this month.  

Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day. 

Crime Stoppers is a charitable community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service. 

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444.

Oliver Wacek from Trinity Cycle Works & Daimon with his graduation present

The Project Booyah Cairns team would like to congratulate four local boys who graduated from the program last week at a ceremony held at TAFE North on August 6.

Project Booyah is an initiative of the Gold Coast District Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) and was run in Cairns this year.

It’s a multi-agency approach to reduce and prevent young people’s involvement in crime, the criminal justice system and further disengagement with their local community, education and/or their family.

The program is run over four months and designed to challenge and extend the participants, through expedition-based outdoor education, full health assessment, vocational studies provided by Queensland TAFE, literacy and numeracy studies facilitated by teachers from Education Queensland, fitness, resilience and leadership training and job placement.

Police officers provide a positive channel to re-engage and realign relationships with the youth in the local community, while also re-enforcing the role of police.

Together with the local PCYC, other government and non-government agencies, local businesses and the community support, the project aims at reducing and preventing young peoples’ involvement in the criminal justice sector.

Co-ordinator of Project Booyah Cairns, Detective Senior Sergeant Marty Ots said, “All participants and their families are treated with respect and dignity and encouraged to participate throughout the program in an effort to reinforce the positive benefits of social development. They learn to effectively cope with frustration and how to deal with difficult situations.”

Daimon with the bicycle during the restoration process

As part of the program, one of the boys was given an opportunity to work on an old bicycle and do it up from scratch. The bike was stripped down by Trinity Cycle Works, then the frame was taken to Stanley’s Panel Works for painting.

Daimon reassembled the bike with the help of Oliver Wacek from Trinity Cycle Works and did everything from choosing the colour paint to the reassembly process.

Daimon was presented with the newly refurbished bike at the graduation ceremony after it was decided that he’d worked very hard throughout the program by showing respect and a genuine desire to make the most of the program.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ots said, “The boys have done a great job. Two of the boys from this graduating group are continuing with their education, one has obtained full time employment and the fourth is actively looking for work.”

Project Booyah has operated in Cairns, Capalaba, Logan, Nerang and Palm Beach. Townsville is set to commence later this month.

The project was previously recognised as a winner in the 2012 Queensland Child Protection Week Awards (Youth Participation Category).

Project Booyah Cairns graduation Ceremony on August 6. Back Row L-R: Wendy Drysdale (Senior Guidance Officer – Education Queensland), Mick Rae (Community Support Officer – Northern Outlook), Phil Williams (Portfolio Manager Tourism Hospitality and Personal Services TAFE North), Marty OTS (Detective Senior Sergeant – Project Booyah Co-ordinator Cairns), Supreme Court Justice James Henry, Stephen Tillett (Sergeant – Project Booyah), Paul Morton (General Manager – Mercure Cairns Harbourside), Daimon Maynard (Graduate). Front Row L-R: Alex Mayer (Hospitality Teacher -TAFE), Alex Mayer (Hospitality Teacher -TAFE), Courtney Sullivan (Relay For Life Co-Ordinator – Cancer Council), Leonid Ciuffoli (Graduate), Dulcie Pensio (Youth/Community Support Officer – Cairns PCYC), Joshua Purcell (Graduate), Arthur Ketchup (Graduate).

Senior Constable Angela Evans & Ms Shelly Wallace

They’ve done it again!

Senior Constable Angela Evans and Ms Shelley Wallace (QHealth) graciously accepted the Award for Consumer Focus – Highly Commended on behalf of the QPS and QHealth for the Far Northern District Mental Health Intervention Project (MHIP) Co Responder Team.

Inspector Don McKay said, “I sincerely thank all involved for their efforts and contribution within both organisations since the project commenced in 2010.

It is amazing to think how one small idea, that has been driven by passionate people at all levels within our organisations, has grown into the Co-responder Model we see today.

Both organisations should be very proud of the improvement in service delivery and the difference that the program is making in the lives of people who suffer from mental illness.”

The Co-responder Program aims to:

• provide a primary response team with specialised mental health knowledge to reduce the risk of behavioural escalation in the community;
• provide rapid assessment and intervention;
• provide enhanced access to information/expertise on mental health; and
• ensure people who are involved in police call outs, but do not meet the criteria for Authorised Mental Health Service follow-up, still receive an appropriate referral and follow-up.

The Co-responder Program has been formally recognised over a number of years now and previous awards for the program are as follows:

• 2010-Qld Mental Health Achievement Award – Qld Government
• 2011-Assistant Commissioner Certificate- QPS
• 2012-Lantarn Award  for Excellence in Policing Operations- QPS FNR
• 2012-National Crime Prevention Award- Australian Institute of Criminology
• 2013- Health and Community Services Workforce Innovation Award – Innovation Awards- Workplace Council

Currently, the Co-responder team complete one out of every three emergency examination orders (EEO’s) that are taken out in the Cairns Division, thereby reducing the demand on First Response Officers.

They are also attending more jobs in the community than ever before thereby reducing the overall number of EEO’s, which has in turn reduced the pressure on the Emergency Department at the Cairns Base Hospital allowing medical staff to focus on other emergent cases.

The team were very proud to accept the award from the Police Commissioner Ian Stewart and even had an opportunity to highlight the overall advantages to both QPS and Queensland Health with the ongoing collaborative approach that the Co-responder Project has developed.

Thanks to everyone involved in the MHIP Co Responder Team and to all who provide support to the project.

Burglary and property charges, Cairns: A 20-year-old Mooroobool man was charged on Friday following investigations into a number of property offences allegedly committed in the Cairns area in June and July.

The alleged offences allegedly involved the burglary of a Whitfield residence and subsequent fraudulent use of a credit card in June; the fraudulent use of another credit card on July 11; the unlawful entry of a Cairns car rental facility and theft of a vehicle on July 18; the theft of money from a Mt Sheridan business on July 19, and the attempted burglary of a Mt Sheridan dwelling on the same date.

Detectives travelled to Mareeba on Friday to interview the man in relation to the offences.  He was charged with a total of eight offences including fraud, burglary, stealing, entering premises and stealing and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on August 21.

14 netted in Mooroobool drug operation:  Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch detectives charged a total of 14 people on Friday following an investigation into alleged drug related activities at a Hayward Street residence.

Five women aged between 24 and 34 and seven men aged from 24 to 43 were each charged with possession of a dangerous drug.  A 24-year-old man was charged with breaching a condition of his bail.

Officers executed a search warrant at the address at around 1pm, at which point a 23-year-old male resident fled on foot.  He was subsequently apprehended after a foot chase and was charged with 16 counts of supplying a dangerous drugs, and one count each of possession of dangerous drug, possession of proceeds of a crime and obstructing police.

He is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court later today.  The remaining 13 people are scheduled to appear in the same court on September 1. QP1401104765 & others.

Drug and property charges, Edmonton: Two Edmonton men aged 18 and 25 were charged yesterday following a search of their Shaft Street residence. Police attended the residence at around midday and detained the pair before conducting an emergent search which allegedly yielded a small quantity of cannabis and a pipe.

They were both charged with one count each of possession of a dangerous drug and possession of a drug utensil. The younger man was also charged with the alleged unlawful entry of a Mount Sheridan tavern in 2011.

They are both scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on September 11.

Trespass charge, Cooktown: Police have charged a 28-year-old Cooktown man following an alleged incident at an Endeavour Valley Road property in the early hours of last Wednesday.

It will be alleged that a male resident was awoken by his dogs barking at around 3am and went outside to investigate. He allegedly located a man hiding in a garden bed near a bedroom window of the house. The resident then chased the man from the property and a brief scuffle ensued before the man fled on foot.

Police spoke with the man on Friday and he was issued with a notice to appear in the Cooktown Magistrates Court on September 4 on one count of trespass.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

An example of what was on offer – Lime and Coconut cupcakes were a huge hit!

As police officers, we’re often unfairly linked to ‘donuts’ or other fast foods, however our local police are more than happy to indulge in a tasty cupcake from time to time.

All for a good cause of course!

Local police and administration officers baked up a storm for the RSPCA Cupcake Day and managed to raise an impressive $340 in just a couple of hours for the charity.

Thank you Marie and all our bakers – Yum!

Judging by what was on offer, it was win win for us and the RSPCA Cupcake Day

Girls charged over Mt Sheridan vehicle theft: Police have charged five girls aged between 10 and 14 following an investigation into the alleged theft of a vehicle in the early hours of Monday morning.

It will be alleged the group stole a dual cab utility from a Limewood Street residence after locating a set of keys in the garage.  It will be further alleged that the vehicle was driven by a 12-year-old girl to the Ross & Locke swimming area at Little Mulgrave before returning to the Bentley Park area.

Police located the damaged vehicle after it had been dumped in a park on Leeuwin Crescent shortly before midday yesterday.

The five girls were charged with a total of 12 offences including burglary, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlicensed driving and stealing. They will all be dealt with under the provisions of The Youth Justice Act 1992.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.   

Hunt continues for escaped prisoners, Cairns:  Police are continuing investigations into the whereabouts of two men who remain at large following their escape from a low security farm facility at the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre on the weekend.

Officers late last night located a blue sedan in Manunda which is believed to have been the second stolen vehicle used by the pair whilst they have been on the run.

The two prisoners still outstanding are 19-year-old Nawie Asera and 20-year-old Elijah Tapim.

Asera is serving three years and nine months for robbery with violence. Tapim is serving four years for assault.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

Fraud and drug charges, Whitfield: Three men were charged yesterday following a search of a Whitfield residence by detectives from the Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch.

Officers executed a search warrant at the McManus Street dwelling at around 9:30am, allegedly locating two cannabis plants, a quantity of cannabis and utensils.

A 24-year-old Whitfield man was charged with production and possession of a dangerous drug and drug utensil.  He was also charged with fraud and receiving tainted property after a quantity of suspected stolen work wear was allegedly located in the dwelling.

Another 25-year-old male resident was also charged with possession of a dangerous drug.

A 21-year-old Parramatta Park man who was also present, was charged with one count of stealing as a servant in relation to the located clothing. It will be alleged that the man stole the clothing over a number of months from a Scott Street work wear business where he was employed as a sales assistant.

The men are due to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on September 4.

Youth charged over school break-ins, Gordonvale:  A 15-year-olf Gordonvale boy was charged last night following an investigation into a number of break and enter offences at a local high school and sugar mill.

He was allegedly detained after he and other youths were observed inside the school grounds at around 7:00pm by an off-duty police officer.

The boy was subsequently charged with a total of six offences including three counts of entering premises with intent, and one count each of wilful damage, trespass and possession of house breaking implements.  He will be dealt with under the provisions of The Youth Justice Act 1992.

Investigations are continuing and a number of other youths are assisting with inquiries.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

OLHOC Bike Bus in their Share the Road Reflective Vests

Road safety and security are our priority!

Wet weather keeps local police busy on our roads so anything local road users can do to stay safe is an added bonus.

Students finding it hard to contain their excitement!

Our Lady Help of Christian’s College (OLHOC) was presented with a number of Share the Road reflective safety vests in March this year. The vests were funded by a Safer Queensland Community (Suncorp & Qld Police) Funding Grant, and donated by the Cairns Police Crime Prevention Unit, for their Bike Bus.

Since that time the school has been very busy educating all students at the school about road and bicycle safety.

Police and the school focused on road rule compliance as well as the importance of wearing proper safety equipment such as helmets, reflective vests and correct footwear.

The OLHOC Bike Bus Co-ordinator, Heather Cochrane reports that 45 Share the Road reflective vests have been allocated to students riding in the school bus.

Heather said, “When the students are allocated a vest, they are provided with an accompanying letter which details aspects of road safety, bike maintenance and the requirement to wear the vest and a helmet. This gives both the students and parents the opportunity to discuss their obligations to be a responsible cyclist.”

On Friday August 15, OLHOC Adopt-a-Cop, Senior Constable Dan McEntee took part in the OLHOC Bike Bus to check in on the students progress.

Safety a priority for the students at OLHOC

Rain or shine, the students continue to keep active whilst staying safe on our roads

Dan, Heather, students and other supervisors meet up at Toogood Road, Woree. The 20 strong Bike Bus group negotiated their way through local streets along the normal route to their school in Balaclava Road at Earlville.

Senior Constable Dan attended the school assembly and congratulated the students on their efforts and encouraged all student to continue riding responsibly.

He also encouraged the students to participate in a new program within the school which encourages students to register their bike details on a Bike Identification card.

Senior Constable Dan will be giving out sets of bike LED lights to the first 40 students who register their bike details with him when they ride their bike to school as an individual or part of the school’s Bike Bus.

Senior Constable Dan said, “I am hoping this program will help promote bike security and educate the students on the importance of valuing property and recording records such as serial numbers.”

Heather Cochrane OLHOC Bike Bus Coordinator supports the new program and said, “The Bicycle Identification card is an important means to having your bike returned to you in the event of theft.  Students at OLHOC are encouraged to complete the card which assists the Police in locating the owner of the stolen bike.”

Bicycle Identification Card available for all residents wanting to record their bike particulars

Police have located and charged two men who escaped from Lotus Glen Correctional Facility at Mareeba last Sunday.

The men were located at a Hancock Street address in Edmonton this afternoon.

A 19-year-old man was charged with eleven offences including escape lawful custody, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, burglary and obstruct police.

A 20-year-old man was charged with ten offences including escape lawful custody burglary, obstruct police and evade police.

They are both scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court tomorrow.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

Arson charge, Cairns North: Police yesterday charged a 27-year-old North Cairns man as part of an investigation into a suspicious vehicle fire that occurred on January 14.

It will be alleged that the man entered an unattended Ford station wagon at around 5am and set fire to it before fleeing in another vehicle. He was charged with one count of arson of a motor vehicle and is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on September 3.

A 26-year-old Manoora man was charged in relation to the same incident on January 21.

Weapons charges, Thursday Island: A 48-year-old Mooroobool man is due to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on September 23 following weapons charges by Thursday Island police yesterday.

It will be alleged that the man was intercepted on Jetty Street shortly after 2:00pm in possession of a storage case which contained a shotgun and two rifles. A search of his luggage also allegedly turned up a trench knife.

He was arrested and charged with four counts of unlawful possession of a weapon.
The subject weapons were seized by police.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

Youths charged in relation to shop steal, Innisfail: A 13-year-old male youth from Goondi Hill and 13-year-old male youth from Germantown have been charged with unauthorised dealing with shop goods. Police will allege the youths entered a store on McGowan Drive, Innisfail at about 11:30am on Tuesday, August 19 and removed items from the store without making payment. The youths are being dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justices Act.

Drink driver charge, Innisfail: A 52-year-old Waugh Pocket woman will appear in the Innisfail Magistrates Court at a later date, charged with drink driving. Police will allege the woman was intercepted driving on Palmerston Drive at about 2:30pm on Tuesday, August 19. Subsequent tests revealed the woman had a breath alcohol concentration of .119%.

Arrest, Tully: A 32-year-old Midgenoo man will appear in the Tully Magistrates Court on 4 September, charged with drink driving, unlicenced driving and obstruct police. Police will allege the man was intercepted driving on the Bruce Highway, Tully at about 10:40pm on Tuesday, August 19. Subsequent tests revealed the man had a breath alcohol concentration of .152%. The man was arrested and transported to the Innisfail Watchhouse.

Two men arrested, Innisfail: Officers from Cassowary Coast Criminal Investigation Branch have charged two men in relation to an incident that occurred at a residence on Moriarty Street, Innisfail at about 7:30am on August 20.

A 44-year-year old Jubilee Pocket man will appear in the Innisfail Magistrates Court on August 21, charged with burglary and commit indictable offence and attempted enter dwelling with intent to break at night.

A 50-year-old Goondi Hill man will appear in the Innisfail Magistrates Court on August 21, charged with burglary and commit indictable offence.

Police are seeking witnesses for these matters:

Stealing, Cardwell: Between 6:00pm on Tuesday, August 19 and 11:00am on Wednesday, August 20, unknown offenders entered an open business on Victoria Street, Cardwell and stole an amount of money. Investigations are continuing.
Police reference: QP1401118140.

Wilful damage, Cardwell: Between 4:30pm on Monday, August 18 and 2:00pm on Wednesday, August 20 at Royal Palms Avenue, unknown offenders approached a dwelling and lifted closed louvers causing them to break. Investigations are continuing.
Police reference: QP1401119872.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

Senior Sergeant Matt Stevens demonstrating the CEW (commonly called a TASER) disguised as a mobile phone

Knuckle dusters, drugs, utensils, cash and a conducted energy weapon (CEW) disguised as a mobile phone were all part of a haul seized during raids on homes in Cairns and the northern beaches yesterday.

Far North District Tactical Crime Squad (TCS) gathered intelligence over a period of time and warrants were executed on six homes in Mooroobool, North Cairns and Holloways Beach yesterday morning.

TCS Acting Sergeant Mark Bakker said, “We’ve seized a number of items including $1600 cash, pills, ice, cannabis, seeds, plants, knuckle dusters and a CEW.

These type of weapons are not all that common, however we are now seeing more and more conducted energy weapons emerging which is concerning. Whilst the CEW looks like a mobile phone, it certainly packs a punch and would certainly cause significant burns and injuries if used on someone.

The illegal knuckle dusters were home made and fashioned out of household items.  

Acting Sergeant Mark Bakker during the media conference

We are working very hard to get these type of weapons and drugs off the street and we’ll continue to gather information and target offenders.

Members of the public can help us out too by reporting information about drugs or weapons to their local police or if they want to remain anonymous, they can call crime stoppers and provide the information.”  

Five people were charged on a total of 21 drug and weapons related charges.

Illegal knuckle dusters

A 24-year-old Mooroobool woman was charged with one count each of possess dangerous drug, possess utensil, possess thing and obstruct police.

A 28-year-old Mooroobool man was charged with one count each of possess dangerous drug, produce dangerous drug, supply dangerous drug, possess utensil and possess thing.

A 28-year-old Cairns North man was charged with one count each of possess dangerous drug, possess dangerous drug MDMA, possess utensil, possess thing, possess restricted weapon namely knuckle dusters and possess restricted weapon namely a conducted energy weapon namely a TASER phone and two counts of supply dangerous drugs.

A 28-year-old Holloways Beach woman was charged with two counts of possess drug utensil.

A 33-year-old Manoora woman was also issued with a notice to appear for one count each of possess utensil and received tainted property.

All five are due to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court next month.

Investigations are continuing in relation to a quantity of amphetamines and cannabis seized during searches.

A/Sgt Bakker with CEW

Seized items

Part of the cannabis seizure

Drug and public nuisance charges, Manunda: Police charged a 41-year-old Manoora man on Saturday night following a disturbance on Alfred Street.

Officers were conducting a patrol of the area at about 8.30pm when they saw two men involved in a heated verbal altercation. Officers parked the vehicle and approached the pair before the Manoora man then allegedly became verbally abusive towards them and commenced running in and out of vehicular traffic.

A foot chase ensued after the man was advised he was under arrest and he was apprehended a short distance away. A search of his clothing allegedly revealed a small quantity of methylamphetamine.

The man was charged with one count each of obstructing police, committing a public nuisance offence and possession of a dangerous drug.  He is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on September 9.

Man charged over hotel damage, Trinity Beach: A 32-year-old Smithfield man was charged on Saturday following investigations into an incident at a Moore Street hotel on Thursday night.

It will be alleged that the man had been asked to leave the premises at around 7 pm and had punched and damaged an automatic door control module as he left.

The man was located at his home address and charged with one count of wilful damage. He is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on September 9.

Youths charged over boat theft, Thursday Island: Two boys aged 14 and 15 from Horn Island were charged last week following the alleged theft of a 4.5 metre aluminium vessel from Bayo Beach on Thursday Island last weekend.

Officers from Horn Island had spoken with the pair near the vessel before the owner realised it had actually been stolen.

Upon receiving the theft complaint, officers quickly rounded up the pair and they were each charged with unlawful use of a vessel.

The older boy was also charged with operating a vessel without a licence. Both boys will be dealt with under the provisions of The Youth Justice Act 1992.

Officers inspect the incident scene

Fire investigation, Bamaga area: An investigation is underway into a fire which caused severe damage to a community facility at the Northern Peninsula Area community of Injinoo on Saturday morning.

Police and fire officers attended the Pablo Street complex at around 10.15am to find a two story shed behind the Injinoo Family Healing Centre well ablaze.

Preliminary investigations indicate there was a grass fire in the area to the rear of the complex immediately before the shed caught fire.

The shed contents were completely destroyed as a result of the fire. Investigations are continuing.

Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day. 

Crime Stoppers is a charitable community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service. 

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444.

Post a left turn here!

Motorists exiting the Cairns Post Office car park onto Sheridan Street should now enjoy a much safer driving experience.

This  follows the installation of a new traffic sign directing all vehicles leaving the car park to turn left onto Sheridan Street.

A number of motorists had previously been running the gauntlet by crossing the two oncoming lanes of traffic in order to use the clearway in the centre of the street to effect a right turn.  The clearway is designed to allow police vehicles to access and exit the Cairns Police Station and was only ever intended for that purpose.

Police crews attempting to leave the station under emergency response conditions often reported dangerous situations whereby motorists blocked the clearway preventing police vehicle access to the outbound lanes of Sheridan Street.

It is hoped that drivers leaving the Australia Post complex will now heed the sign and avoid creating a potentially dangerous situation.

Officers from the Cairns Road Policing Unit have been monitoring driver behaviour during the transition period and issued verbal cautions to drivers disregarding the new requirement. They have advised that enforcement action will now be taken as required.

Disobeying a ‘Left Turn’ sign presently carries a fine of $91 along with a three demerit point penalty.

Don’t say we didn’t give you the mail!

Never a dull moment for Axel, Police Dog in the making. Photo by Anna Rogers, Cairns Post.

Shoes!! What dog wears shoes! Well, a police dog apparently.

It was a bit of an effort to put them on but Dave thought it was finally time that I got used to wearing some doggy shoes. It felt a bit weird at the start but good ol’ Dave knew that if I had my toy there nothing else was really going to bother me.

Apparently I might need to wear these shoes one day if I become a police dog to help protect my precious paws from things like glass. I have to admit that I’ll wear those shoes any day over having a bath! I wonder if Dave will consider that a fair trade?

I’m still doing lots of work with Dave practicing my tracking and biting skills. Ohhhhhh how I love biting that training arm!

Paws crossed that all of this hard work will get me through the Police Dog course next year. Then I get to do all of this stuff for real!

Til next time

Axel

Handler’s note:

• Police dogs are often called upon to search areas that may cause them harm and as such they may need to wear special equipment to protect them.
• Axel may one day be required to wear shoes to search areas that contain broken glass, nails, timber and metal.
• Unlike Axel, many dogs don’t take too well to wearing shoes so it is important to introduce them to wearing them at an early stage. Axel is so fixated on his toy that he barely noticed that he had them on.
• The shoes help protect the pad of the paw. This can be extremely painful for the dog if it gets damaged and can put the police dogs out of action for weeks.

Sergeant Dave Raymond, Officer in Charge, Cairns Dog Squad.

Horn Island police officers, Acting Sergeant David Young and S/Const Cheryl Young.

The small community of Horn Island is the latest to join the growing trend of communities signing up for Neighbourhood Watch (NHW). The group has been established as an E-Watch which is an electronic NHW group. E-Watch enables residents to log on anytime to their NHW Blog page or receive email alerts about what is happening in their community.

Senior Constable Cheryl Young takes in the views on Horn Island

Horn Island Police officers, Acting Sergeant David Young and Senior Constable Cheryl Young are working closely with the community to help promote the benefits of NHW and provide information to the community.

Long-time community member, Pamela Wasaga is leading the charge with NHW by signing on as the email administrator for the group.

Horn Island

Situated in the Torres Strait, Horn Island is a 15min boat ride from Thursday Island. The idyllic island is only 54km2 and is home to around 650 residents and one of the busiest regional airports in Australia. Horn Island has a rich history of gold mining and pearling but is most famous for the part it played in World War ll.

Built in 1940, Horn Island housed the closest advanced operational airbase to New Guinea.  During the war in 1942, Horn Island was attacked by the Japanese over 8 times during a sixteen month period. It is reported that over 500 bombs pounded the island during that time.

Local police, youths and members of the community are currently hard at work restoring what remains of the original airbase.

Already 66 members have signed up to Horn Island E-Watch with further subscription request coming in daily.  Through NHW, Horn Island Police are able to provide crime prevention information and alerts on a range of issues including boat theft, drink driving, located stolen property and other community events.

Residents wishing to sign up to Horn Island E-Watch are urged to register their email address by contacting; HornIslandnhw@gmail.com

or by signing up to the Torres Strait Northern Peninsula NHW Blog: http://tsnpa.nhwq.org/

Looking for a NHW group in your area? See below and register today.