community safety Archives

Zillmere and Carseldine Train Station Car Parks Get Surprise Police Patrol

More than 500 vehicles parked at Zillmere and Carseldine train stations were checked by police during a large-scale patrol aimed at reducing theft and protecting property in the area.

Community Patrols Conducted

The proactive sweep took place on Thursday, 8 May, as part of a North Brisbane police operation focused on public transport hubs. Officers inspected vehicles to check if they were locked, secure and free from valuables. After checking, police left an assessment card on each car to inform owners about the condition of their vehicle.

Zillmere & Carseldine train station car parks — *Photo Credit: QPS*

Alongside this, car owners were given “Empty Car Notice” stickers. These can be placed inside the windscreen. From the outside, the sticker tells would-be thieves that no valuables are inside the car. On the inside, it also serves as a helpful reminder about when the vehicle registration is due.

Residents who missed the patrol but would like a sticker can contact the Gateway District Crime Prevention office by email at Gateway.DCPC@police.qld.gov.au.

A Focus on Prevention

Police said that most car thefts in Queensland are opportunistic. Thieves often target cars that are easy to access or have valuables in plain sight. Stolen vehicles are usually used for short-term gain like transport, joyriding or committing further crimes.

The patrols are designed to raise awareness and remind the public about simple actions that can prevent crime. These include locking car doors and windows, keeping items out of view, and using secure off-street parking when available. While engine immobilisers are one of the most effective tools against car theft, police warn that they offer little protection if thieves can easily get hold of the keys.

Helping the Community Stay Safe

Sgt Jodie Murray from North Brisbane Police said these types of operations are part of ongoing efforts to keep the community informed and reduce property crime. While the patrols covered Zillmere and Carseldine stations this time, residents in other areas can expect similar checks in the future.

Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour or information through the Policelink website at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Anonymous tips can also be shared with Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or visiting www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 9-May-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