December 15, 2025
Senior police have labelled Operation Martello – the week-long “surge” of police into the South Burnett – as a success after 49 people were charged with a total of 202 offences.
Speaking at a media conference on Monday afternoon, Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl said the operation had been extremely effective in detecting and apprehending offenders, preventing offences and addressing community concerns.
Operation Martello included Tactical Crime Squad police from the Darling Downs, Ipswich and South West police districts; as well as the State Flying Squad, local detectives, the Child Protection Investigation Unit and Darling Downs Highway Patrol units.
Asst Commissioner Vanderbyl said the number of people charged was an “extraordinary outcome” with a lot of the charges relating to incidents over past months, including more than 30 burglaries, about 20 stolen vehicles and 28 breaches of bail.
“A number of people have been arrested on outstanding warrants as well,” he said.
Asst Commissioner Vanderbyl also thanked members of the community for providing information which he said had led to the detection of a number of offenders – and urged people to continue passing on information to CrimeStoppers on 1800-333-000 and PoliceLink on 131-444.
Police also executed six search warrants, conducted 23 knife wandings and 68 street checks.
Seventeen random drug-driving tests were also conducted which detected six drivers with an allegedly positive result.
Asst Commissioner Vanderbyl said police had also seized ice, methamphetamine, cannabis and other drugs.
Darling Downs District Superintendent Doug McDonald said Operation Martello had helped to put a dent in criminal activity.
“Over the past week we have apprehended several of our serious repeat offenders and we are glad they are off our streets,” Supt McDonald said.
“We understand that being a victim of crime can be a distressing experience, which is why we are committed to closing the loop – engaging with victims to ensure they feel supported and kept up to date on the progress of investigations.
“While crime rates do fluctuate, we are hopeful this latest surge will help to keep those numbers low.”
Asst Commissioner Vanderbyl said police would continue to use the surge resources available and “hit hard” whenever a spike in crime occurs.
“Every single time we oppose bail for someone in a court, and the court then gives bail, we will review those matters and if we think there is anything in there to appeal, we will appeal it,” he said.
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Some of the latest charges:
- On Friday, a 46-year-old woman was charged after allegedly testing positive to drug driving after being intercepted along the Bunya Highway at Tingoora. She has been charged with one count of drug driving and is due to appear in the Murgon Magistrates Court on February 24.
- A 25-year-old male passenger was charged with possessing dangerous drugs after officers searched the vehicle and allegedly discovered an amount of methylamphetamine. He is due to appear in Kingaroy Magistrates Court on February 4.
- On Saturday, a 16-year-old Cherbourg boy was arrested and charged with 17 offences, including enter dwelling and commit, enter premises, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and breach of bail offences. Police will allege the teen was involved in the theft of three vehicles and seven burglary offences from Cherbourg, Moffatdale and Murgon between November and December. He was due to appear in the Kingaroy Children’s Court on Monday.
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Audio from Monday’s media conference:
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