December 18, 2024
A Mobile Police Beat van will be visiting Wondai on Thursday and Friday this week to reassure residents following a recent spate of break-ins and car thefts in the town.
Police officers will be on hand to share information about their activities and the best ways residents can increase security around their properties.
The recent outbreak of crimes began in August when a stolen vehicle was used in a ram-raid of a shop in the main street.
Since then, there have been a number of break-ins, attempted break-ins and vehicle thefts.
Fearful local residents set a special Facebook group in September to share reports of incidents in the area.
They have expressed outrage over the number of break-ins, including one incident in which a pet dog was allegedly stabbed.
Some have called for nightly “patrols” of Wondai streets by residents while others have suggested Council hire security guards.
However, comments that Wondai’s extensive CCTV security camera system is not working have been refuted.
Local councillor Ros Heit said the cameras were working well, Wondai Police Station was manned and police were conducting regular patrols, including high visibility patrols at night.
Several juveniles have been arrested and charged over some of the recent incidents.
Member for Nanango and Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said she was well-informed about the community’s concerns and has been working with the local police.
She had “elevated” the issues of the Wondai community to the Police Minister.
Inspector Scott Stahlhut, from the South Burnett Patrol Group, met with Mayor Kathy Duff and South Burnett councillors on Wednesday to discuss community safety concerns.
He said Council had been reassured the police presence in Wondai would be maintained.
Insp Stahlhut said a number of specialist police from the Darling Downs Crime Unit had conducted an operation in the Wondai, Cherbourg and Murgon areas last weekend.
Police were targeting highly mobile offenders who were moving from town to town.
Detective Inspector Renee Garske, from the Darling Downs Crime Group, has also visited the South Burnett this week.
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