State Flying Squad Targets High-Risk Offenders

Police from the Far North District, supported by the State Flying Squad, have successfully charged 146 individuals with 496 offenses during a recent operation in Cairns. The week-long deployment aimed to target property offenders and prevent criminal activity in the area. The State Flying Squad collaborated with various police units to conduct patrols, investigations, and execute arrest warrants.

Among the charges, 86 young individuals were arrested for offenses including unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing. One notable incident involved the deployment of a tire deflation device on a stolen vehicle, leading to a high-speed chase on the Captain Cook Highway. The suspect was eventually apprehended and faces multiple charges related to dangerous driving and vehicle theft.

Another arrest involved a 27-year-old man who fled from police on a bicycle before being captured and charged with various offenses. Overall, since April, over 500 individuals have been charged with nearly 1600 offenses as part of State Flying Squad operations in the Far North region.

Superintendent Kevin Fitzgibbon praised the effectiveness of the State Flying Squad in targeting high-risk offenders and enhancing community safety. He emphasized the importance of cracking down on repeat offenders to ensure public well-being. The police force looks forward to future deployments in the region to maintain law and order.