crime Archives - Aspley News

Bridgeman Downs Home Invasion Leads to 12-Hour Police Standoff in Tree

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A botched home invasion in Bridgeman Downs on Sunday afternoon led to an unusual 12-hour standoff, with a man perched in a tree while police worked through the night to bring him down safely.

Queensland Police were called to a Stirling Street property around 3.30pm on 19 October following reports that two men had broken into the home. The 40-year-old male resident, who was home at the time, confronted the intruders and was allegedly threatened with a knife before the pair fled the scene in a white Toyota Corolla.

Police, assisted by the POLAIR helicopter, tracked one of the alleged offenders to a property in nearby Strathpine around 6.30pm. When officers arrived, the 30-year-old Strathpine man reportedly climbed a tree in the backyard in an attempt to avoid arrest.

What followed was an all-night operation involving police negotiators and the dog squad, who worked to coax the man down from his elevated hiding spot. He remained in the tree for approximately 12 hours before being taken into custody just before 7am on Monday morning.

The Strathpine man has been charged with robbery armed in company with personal violence, serious assault of a police officer, possessing dangerous drugs, and possession of drug utensils. He is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 21 October.

Police are continuing their search for the second man involved in the alleged home invasion and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Residents with information about the incident can contact Policelink via the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au, quoting reference number QP2501888534.

Published 20-October-2025

Allegedly Stolen Vehicle Drives Towards Children at Aspley Little Athletics

Photo Credit: Aspley Little Athletics Centre & Aspley Athletics

An 18-year-old man is facing multiple charges after allegedly driving a stolen vehicle towards children during a training session at Aspley Little Athletics on Wednesday evening.

Around 50 junior athletes, aged between under-8s and under-17s, were training at the facility when a grey Jeep Compass entered the field and began driving erratically, according to witnesses and police.

Andrea Taft, centre manager of Aspley Little Athletics, said the incident unfolded quickly and left many in shock.

She initially believed the vehicle belonged to a member, but it soon became clear something was wrong when the car began swerving towards children on the field.

Coaches and volunteers immediately worked to evacuate the oval, directing children to safety along the embankments whilst the vehicle performed dangerous manoeuvres on the training area.

One parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the frightening scene as the car tore up over the back embankment and drove across the field before performing a doughnut. When one parent attempted to block the vehicle’s path, the car allegedly pushed them aside at low speed.

Ms Taft praised the quick response of coaches and volunteers who managed to keep all children safe during the incident. Whilst no one suffered physical injuries, she acknowledged the emotional impact on families and young athletes.

The incident began earlier that evening when police were called to Harcourt Street in Fortitude Valley at approximately 5.15pm following reports of an assault and vehicle theft. The stolen Jeep was then allegedly driven dangerously through several northside suburbs before arriving at the Aspley athletics facility.

With assistance from the Dog Squad and police helicopter POLAIR, officers tracked the vehicle to Sheena Street in Zillmere, where it struck a parked car and stopped around 7.15pm. The driver, an 18-year-old Stafford man, allegedly fled on foot towards Deborah Street where he was arrested and taken to hospital under police guard.

Police expect to charge the man with robbery with violence, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and driving without a licence.

The training field sustained damage including tyre marks across various sections. Brisbane City Council has responded quickly to arrange repairs and is conducting a security audit of all access points to the facility.

Ms Taft said the club had been in the process of securing council funding for CCTV cameras prior to the incident, though none were installed at the time.

The centre manager said discussions are underway about whether to proceed with Saturday’s planned competition or postpone it, recognising that some members may still feel shaken.

Aspley Little Athletics posted on social media on Thursday, describing it as a distressing incident and offering support to anyone who required assistance.

Fortitude Valley Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Stephen Bull thanked members of the public who reported sightings of the stolen vehicle throughout the incident. Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

The club is working closely with Brisbane City Council to improve security measures and help restore confidence amongst members and families following the incident.

Published 26-September-2025

Trailer Wheel Theft Spike Hits Sandgate Area

Sandgate residents are being urged to increase security measures following a series of trailer wheel theft incidents across the suburb and surrounding areas.

Queensland Police are investigating multiple incidents that occurred over a two-day period in late February, with thieves targeting trailers in both residential streets and commercial areas.

The theft spree began on Friday, February 21, when two wheels and tyres were stolen from a trailer parked on Yundah Street in Shorncliffe. That same evening, another trailer on nearby Palm Avenue lost one wheel and tyre to thieves.

The following day, Saturday, February 22, police recorded an attempted theft on Rainbow Street in Sandgate. In a more significant incident, four wheels and tyres were stolen from a secured trailer in the Bunnings Carseldine car park during the early morning hours.

Police are encouraging trailer owners to invest in security devices such as wheel clamps, wheel boots, wheel braces for dual tyres, or wheel chock locks that prevent rolling on inclines while providing security.

Authorities are asking anyone with information related to these incidents to contact Policelink on 131 444 and quote the corresponding reference numbers: QP2500322079, QP2500322090, QP2500321286, or QP2500323449.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Residents throughout North Brisbane, particularly in the Sandgate area, are reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around vehicles immediately.

Published 24-February-2025

Three Men Charged After Firearms and Bayonet Theft in Carseldine

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

Three men have been charged following the theft of firearms and a military-style bayonet from a Carseldine residence in Brisbane’s north.

The break-in occurred on Tuesday, February 11, at an unoccupied Carseldine property undergoing renovations. According to police, the suspects—who had no connection to the victim—targeted a gun safe on the premises, going to considerable lengths to force it open before stealing the weapons.

Police apprehended the suspects the following day on the Logan Motorway near Carole Park in Ipswich. During the arrest, officers discovered the stolen bayonet in the suspects’ vehicle. Later that evening, investigators located and seized the stolen firearms from a shipping container at a Richlands property.

The three men facing charges include:

A 47-year-old Basin Pocket man charged with entering a dwelling and committing an offence, possessing methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a weapon (military dagger/bayonet), and possession of property suspected to have been acquired for drug-related purposes. He appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 13.
A 34-year-old Gailes man charged with entering a dwelling and committing an offence, and unlawful possession of category B firearms. He remains in custody and is scheduled to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 19.
A 47-year-old Ipswich man charged with entering a dwelling and committing an offence, and contravening a domestic violence order. He is expected to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 27.

North Brisbane District Inspector Matthew Blunn commended the licensed firearm owner for promptly reporting the theft and praised officers for their quick recovery of the stolen weapons.North Brisbane CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Moore emphasised the importance of firearm security, noting that police regularly conduct firearm security audits for licensed owners. He urged firearm owners to remain vigilant about security measures and to report suspicious activity immediately.

Published 17-February-2025

Aspley Included in North Brisbane Registration Plate Thefts Surge

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane North

A recent wave of registration plate thefts has hit North Brisbane suburbs, with Aspley emerging as one of the primary targets in a string of incidents reported across the region. The crime spree has also affected neighbouring suburbs including Taigum, Bracken Ridge, Bald Hills, Chermside, Grange, and Geebung.

Queensland Police report these thefts are opportunistic crimes, with perpetrators stealing plates to evade detection while committing other offences. In response, the Gateway District Crime Prevention Unit has launched a preventive initiative, offering free anti-theft screw packs to North Brisbane residents.

The anti-theft screws are specially designed ‘one-way’ fasteners that can only be removed using police-issued tools, making them an effective deterrent against plate theft.

Local authorities are advising residents to take immediate precautionary measures by utilising off-street parking, securing vehicles behind gates, and parking in locked garages when possible.

North Brisbane residents can order the anti-theft screw packs at no cost through the Queensland Police Service website. Those with information about the thefts can contact Policelink at 131 444 or submit details through the online suspicious activity form. Anonymous reports can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Multiple incidents are currently under investigation, with police referencing case numbers including QP2500173506 and QP2500181601 among others.

Published 31-January-2025

Residents Thwart Attempted Car Theft in Boondall

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A brazen daylight attempted car theft in Boondall was foiled thanks to swift community action, leading to the arrest of a 22-year-old Northgate man.

The incident occurred around 10am on Saturday, October 19, when the suspect allegedly entered a Boondall residence through the front door and took vehicle keys from inside the home. The situation was interrupted when the resident spotted the alleged offender attempting to start their vehicle and immediately called for help.

Nearby witnesses responded to the calls and assisted the victim in removing the suspect from the vehicle. North Brisbane police quickly arrived at the scene and apprehended the man in the vicinity.

The accused faces multiple charges, including attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of suspected stolen property, and entering premises to commit an indictable offence. He is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 5.

Police are urging Boondall residents and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant, keeping keys out of sight and ensuring homes are properly secured.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP2401794020

Published 23-October-2024