Magpie Mistaken for Home Intruder

Queensland police responding to reports of a possible intruder at a Tarragindi home discovered the suspected offender was a magpie that had flown inside through an open window.

Officers from the Upper Mount Gravatt Tactical Crime Squad attended a Joywood Street property at about 3 p.m. after residents heard movement inside and feared someone had entered. Police searched the house and located the bird.

The incident was resolved without injury or damage. Queensland Police said the timing was unusual, with the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood Magpies scheduled to play at Melbourne’s MCG that evening.

Senior Sergeant Murray Cumner said officers treated the residents’ concerns seriously and that they had done the right thing by contacting police. Authorities reminded residents to secure doors and windows where possible to help prevent unlawful entry and unexpected animal visitors.