Operation Whiskey Legion Targets Crime in Wavell Heights

Operation Whiskey Legion (OWL), a major multi-level police operation aimed at reducing crime across Queensland communities, has commenced its 10-day deployment in the North Brisbane Police District (NBD) today, with a particular focus on areas like Wavell Heights.



Last Quarter’s Crime Rate for Wavell Heights

Recent crime statistics for Wavell Heights underscore the need for such an operation. According to the Queensland Police Service Online Crime Map, a total of 80 offences were recorded in Wavell Heights from March 30, 2024, to June 29, 2024. The data highlights theft, unlawful entry, and drug offences as the most common types of crime in the suburb.

Photo Credit: Online Crime Map

OWL Results Already Felt

The operation, which began on April 2, has already shown positive results in six districts across the state. Acting Assistant Commissioner of Crime and Intelligence Command (CIC), Denzil Clark, reported that police have conducted over 1,444 hot spot patrols, 974 wanding operations, and 364 bail/curfew compliance checks since the operation’s inception.

Clark stated, “OWL has resulted in more than 1,380 adults charged with 3,126 offences and 290 juveniles charged with more than 836 offences in the past three months across Queensland.” He also noted that police have engaged with and supported more than 2,606 victims of crime during this period.

OWL’s Focus

The operation brings together specialist police units, including Highway Patrol, CIC, Railway Squad, Water Police, Dog Squad, and Crime Prevention, to work alongside frontline officers. This collaborative effort aims to prevent crime and take strong action against high-risk crime and serious repeat offenders.

Brisbane Region Assistant Commissioner, Ben Marcus, highlighted that the NBD deployment will focus on specific local issues, including:

  1. Public safety at transport hubs and shopping centres
  2. Preventing motor vehicle theft and home invasions
  3. Enforcing domestic violence orders
  4. Targeting high-risk offenders

These focus areas align closely with the crime trends observed in Wavell Heights, particularly addressing theft and unlawful entry issues.



NBD Acting Chief Superintendent Simon Tayler called for community assistance and involvement in the operation. He urged Wavell Heights residents to be extra vigilant and to secure homes and vehicles to deter potential thieves.

“We know that when thieves can’t easily get their hands on a set of car keys, they move on and try elsewhere. Lock up, put your car keys away out of sight and report suspicious behaviour quickly,” Tayler advised.

The police encourage Wavell Heights residents to report any suspicious activity or crime information through official channels, including the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, Policelink at 131 444, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 19-June-2024

Man Arrested After $500,000 Stolen in Copper Wire Burglaries

A 52-year-old man from Fortitude Valley has been arrested and charged in connection with a series of burglaries at a business in Geebung, where over half a million dollars worth of high-grade electronic copper wire was stolen.



According to the Queensland Police, the business premises on Bilsen Road were broken into repeatedly between May 12-16 and again between June 1-3. A large quantity of copper wiring was taken during these break-ins.

On the morning of June 3, police officers discovered a large amount of discarded electric cabling in two industrial bins near the crime scene. They also found a bag containing clothing and bolt cutters.

A week later, on June 10th, police spotted a man matching the description of the suspect near the area. The 52-year-old Fortitude Valley man was arrested on outstanding warrants.

He was taken into custody at the Brisbane City Watchhouse and charged with multiple offences including three counts of entering premises and committing an indictable offence, drug possession charges, breach of bail and fraud.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 1 for these charges related to the costly copper cable theft at the Geebung business.



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.

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

Quote these reference numbers: QP2400856861, QP2400814589, QP2400940852

Published 6-June-2024

Copper Wire Theft Plagues Geebung Industrial Site

Authorities are asking the public to be on high alert after a string of brazen copper wire theft cases hit an industrial site in Geebung.



According to Queensland Police reports, the site on Bilsen Road was first struck between April 24th and April 26th, with thieves making off with an undisclosed amount of valuable copper wiring. The property was then hit again in the early morning hours of May 6th.

The thieves blend in the industrial sites wearing high-vis clothing, camouflaging with construction vehicles.

Copper wire theft is considered especially dangerous, as live wires can deliver lethal electric shocks. Cutting into electrical lines also creates fire hazards that put both perpetrators and legitimate workers at great risk.



In an effort to crack down on the thefts, police are urging any witnesses who notice suspicious activity around construction sites, power substations, or other potential targets to immediately report it by calling 131 444 or going online at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers.

Published 10-May-2024