Seven Charged in Bowen Investigations

Queensland police have charged seven people with 24 offences following search warrant investigations in Bowen in late July. The operations were conducted by detectives from Bowen Criminal Investigation Branch, assisted by Whitsunday Tactical Crime Squad officers, as part of Operation Mackay Essence.

Police also carried out 43 street checks and administered 383 roadside breath and drug tests during the operation.

A 22-year-old Bowen man has been charged over a series of alleged break-ins and property offences between July 16 and 22. Police allege he entered several businesses, stole keys, a phone, tools, a firearm and ammunition, damaged property and unlawfully took a vehicle. He faces multiple charges, including entering premises to commit an indictable offence, wilful damage, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing a firearm or ammunition. He remains in custody and is due to appear in Bowen Magistrates Court on September 1.

In a separate investigation, a 20-year-old Bowen man has been charged over alleged thefts and unlawful entries between June 16 and 21. Police allege he stole fuel, a trailer and other property, and unlawfully entered a business. He faces four charges and is due to appear in Bowen Magistrates Court on August 18. The remaining charges arising from the investigations were not detailed in the police statement.