Robbers go on Emerald crime spree
PROPERTY crime has continued to rise in suburban streets around Emerald, with at least seven cases reported to police in the last week alone - and it appears no one is safe, not even charity.
Thieves broke into the Salvation Army shop premises on Andrews Rd overnight last Tuesday and escaped with jewellery, clothing, soft drinks and two scooters.
In a separate incident last week, a 2010 model 250cc green Kawasaki motorbike was stolen from a carport in Hall Pl. Witnesses later observed what was believed to be the same bike being ridden dangerously around Emerald, before it was found burnt out on the outskirts of town on Sunday.
Would-be thieves also attempted to steal a coin machine from the Clermont St car wash about midnight on Saturday after busting a padlock on the storeroom door. No money was stolen on this occasion, however police are examining CCTV footage of the offenders.
Later that morning a cash register containing a small amount of cash was stolen from the Vibe Cafe on Brief St. Police believe thieves ripped wooden panels from the cafe premises to gain access, before fleeing with the till and cash.
In Sullivan St, crooks removed a flyscreen and climbed through a window in a mine worker's accommodation to steal a television, while in Anakie St, brazen thieves entered the rear of a property and stole alcohol from a fridge.
An unsecured vehicle parked at a residential address in Andrews Rd also had electronic equipment stolen last week.
