A series of brazen break-ins across Brisbane’s inner-west suburbs has culminated in a dramatic underground sewer arrest, with three teenagers now facing multiple charges.
Police allege the group targeted homes in Red Hill and Auchenflower before moving to Paddington, where two vehicles — a Lexus and Land Rover — were stolen from an Annie Street residence around 1:30am Monday morning.
Police tracked the stolen vehicles to Herston, where they deployed tire deflation devices. Though the suspects abandoned the vehicles on Northey Street in Wilston, the pursuit continued on foot, leading to an unusual chase through the local drainage system.
Three teenagers were ultimately apprehended: a 16-year-old from Alexandra Hills and two others from Stafford, aged 16 and 17. One suspect received a dog bite during the arrest in an underground drainage system on Newmarket Road and remains under police guard in hospital. A fourth suspect remains at large.
The Alexandra Hills teenager faces 11 charges, while the 17-year-old Stafford boy has been charged with eight offences. Both charges include multiple counts of unlawful use of motor vehicles and entering dwellings.
Police are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information about the break-ins in Red Hill, Auchenflower, or surrounding areas to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie commended the officers involved, particularly noting the contribution of the police dog squad in apprehending the suspects.
Published 18-February-2025