General News
4 March, 2026
New crime unit reaps rewards
THE newly formed Tablelands Property Crime Unit (PCU) has charged 19 people with more than 52 offences during its first five days of operation.
The unit is made up of local detectives and General Duties police to investigate and disrupt break and enter offences, stolen vehicle activity and thefts in the region.
Fifteen young people were charged with 36 property-related offences, and four adults were charged with 16 property-related offences.
On 24 February, officers from the Tablelands PCU arrested an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old boy from Atherton following a burglary at a Rita Circuit property on 10 February.
It will be alleged the boys forced damage to the home and caused damage inside.
The boys were each charged with one count of enter dwelling and commit and were due to appear in the Atherton Children’s Court on 3 March.
The 11-year-old boy was also charged with three counts of enter premises, and one count each of attempted enter premises and wilful damage. He was dealt with under provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
On 22 February, police were called to a break and enter at a Mason Street property, after a group of teenage boys allegedly forced entry and stole several electronic devices and coins.
On 23-24 February, police arrested three teenage boys and located the stolen property.
A 17-year-old Mareeba boy was charged with one count of receiving tainted property. He was due to appear in the Mareeba Children’s Court on Monday.
A 15-year-old Mareeba boy was charged with one count of receiving tainted property. He is due to appear in the Mareeba Children’s Court on 9 March.
A 16-year-old Mareeba boy was charged with three counts of receiving tainted property and two counts of enter dwelling and commit. He is due to appear in the Mareeba Children’s Court on 16 March.
Detective Inspector Jason Chetham said while it was early days, the results from the new unit were promising.
“These officers have hit the ground running and are using their local knowledge to prevent and disrupt offending across the region,” he said.
“Having a dedicated Property Crime Unit on the Tablelands allows us to consolidate information about property offenders, helping us reduce victims of crime and keep the community safe.”
