Brisbane crime Archives

Jewellery Heist Under Police Investigation in Aspley

Police are investigating a jewellery theft at the Aspley Shopping Centre after masked offenders targeted a store inside the complex.

Early-Morning Break-In

Police reported that two masked thieves forced their way into the Aspley Hypermarket at around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, 29 November. The offenders shattered the centre’s main entrance before breaking open a display cabinet holding jewels, chains, rings and earrings. Officers said the pair took the items and left the scene, and investigators believe a third person acted as a getaway driver.

The incident was captured in footage shared online, which prompted a significant amount of public discussion. The images circulated widely and led to hundreds of comments from locals who reacted to the early-morning smash-and-grab.

Background on the Business

The jewellery store forms part of a family-owned company established in 1978 by Giovanni and Maria Antonaglia. Over several decades, the owners travelled internationally to source high-quality items, including innovative jewellery designs and unique gifts, which they introduced to their Australian customers.

The company has since expanded, becoming the parent organisation of Crown Family Jewellers at Westfield Chermside. Their daughters now lead the operations, and the store features an in-house master jeweller who produces custom-made pieces. The family has also engaged in charitable initiatives, and in 2008 Giovanni received a Queen’s Orders of Australia Medal for his contributions.

Aspley Hypermarket — Photo Credit: Pexels

Community Sentiment

Comments online reflected concern about the break-in and support for the affected business. Some people questioned the value of the items taken, noting speculation about whether the pieces were of high worth or lower-cost items. Others expressed frustration at theft-related incidents and sympathy for the store owners, especially given the family’s long presence in the jewellery industry.

Ongoing Investigation

Police are continuing to search for the two masked offenders and the suspected getaway driver linked to the Aspley incident. Inquiries into the jewellery heist remain ongoing.

Published 30-Nov-2025

Brisbane Court Convicts Ten Over Deadly Zillmere Ambush

Photo Credit: Annette Down-Under/Facebook

One moment, Girum Mekonnen was enjoying time with friends in a Zillmere park. The next, he was the target of a brutal, planned assault that would cost him his life—an attack that has now led to ten guilty verdicts.

Zillmere Attack: Ten Found Guilty Over Brutal Park Murder

A coordinated attack in Zillmere left 19-year-old Girum Mekonnen dead and others critically injured, leading to guilty pleas from ten men. The brutal ambush, involving machetes, bats, knives, and poles at O’Callaghan Park, shocked the Brisbane community.

A Planned and Deadly Assault

The attack occurred on September 13, 2020, when Mekonnen and his friends were at the park. Three vehicles with a group of armed men appeared unexpectedly. In what proved to be a coordinated revenge attack, the group attacked Mekonnen and his friends.

The brutality of the attack was reported to have been quick and intentional, with attackers chasing victims before attacking them with weapons. It was later determined that the attack had been caused by a previous scuffle between John Wal, one of the brothers of four convicted men. However, Mekonnen himself had no known involvement in that earlier incident.

Trial and Verdicts

A judge-alone trial lasted 14 days and found ten men guilty of murder and violent offenses, while the court acquitted Yohana Wal Wal and Malat Akoi Makuach due to insufficient evidence.

Justice Lincoln Crowley determined that the attackers coordinated and deliberately carried out the assault. He rejected claims of spontaneity, citing the group’s armed arrival and immediate aggression as clear proof of premeditation.

Community Impact and Sentencing

The Zillmere community mourned Mekonnen’s death, a stark reminder of rising youth violence. Residents voiced concerns over gang conflicts turning deadly and urged stronger community support programs to prevent future tragedies.

The two convicted men are set to be sentenced to life imprisonment on March 31, 2025. Community members, particularly Mekonnen’s family and friends, are hoping the sentences bring a sense of justice to the young man’s life cut short.

Published 13-March-2025

Targeted Attack Suspected in Deagon Home Invasion

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

The Queensland Police Service is conducting an investigation and appealing to the public for any information, dashcam or CCTV footage that may shed light on a late-night home invasion on Edith St in Deagon, during which shots were fired on Edith Street, in what authorities suspect may be a targeted attack.

Details of the Incident

Authorities report that the December 19 incident commenced when an unknown assailant gained entry into a residence by firing through a glass door.

In a startling incident, an intruder entered a home and confronted a man and a woman, discharging a firearm at a kitchen chair before making a hasty escape. In a fortunate turn of events, the couple successfully fled to a neighbour’s residence, where they were subsequently transported to the hospital for precautionary checks.

The individual in question made a swift getaway in a white Subaru Outback, with the last sighting reported as heading towards Rainbow Street in the adjacent suburb of Sandgate. Authorities are investigating the case as a targeted attack, with no items reported stolen.

Deagon Home Invasion Suspect Still Not Found — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Police Investigation Underway

Establishing a crime scene and requesting public help, the QPS has begun an investigation into the incident. Any dashcam or CCTV footage taken in the early hours of 19 December in the vicinity of Edith Street and Rainbow Street is of special interest to the authorities. Such evidence may be essential in identifying the offender and determining the motivation.

QPS has reassured the community that they are dedicating significant resources to solving this case. Officers are also working to increase patrols in the area to provide reassurance to local residents.

Ongoing Efforts and Next Steps

As of now, no arrests have been made, and police investigations are ongoing. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident or the suspect’s vehicle to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or make a report online at their official website.

Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and collaborate with their neighbours to foster a sense of collective security.

Deagon Home Invasion Case — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

This incident underscores the need for heightened awareness and precaution, even in suburban settings. While the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and peace of mind of Deagon’s residents.

Published-20-Dec-2024