crime Archives - Wavell Heights News

Two Men Face Court After Alleged Shaw Road Business Break-in

Two Northgate residents are facing criminal charges after police responded to reports of a break-in at a Shaw Road business during the early hours of 16 January.

Queensland Police allege the incident occurred at approximately 1am when officers from Hendra Station were called to the scene following reports of two men inside the premises.

According to police, when officers arrived, they allegedly found one of the suspects attempting to leave through a smashed front glass door, whilst the second man was reportedly trying to escape through a rear exit. Both men were taken into custody at the location.

The suspects, aged 25 and 23, were transported to Brisbane City Watchhouse where they were formally charged. The older man faces two charges: obstructing police and entering premises to commit an indictable offence by break. His co-accused has been charged with entering premises to commit an indictable offence by break.

Both men were remanded in custody and appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 16 January.

The incident serves as a reminder for Wavell Heights residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity in their neighbourhood. Police emphasise that community safety relies on cooperation between law enforcement and local residents.

Authorities encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour to contact emergency services immediately on Triple Zero (000) if a crime is in progress or if there is immediate danger. For non-urgent matters, residents can report incidents through Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by phoning 131 444.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au or phone 1800 333 000.

The matter reference number is QP2600097152.

Published 19-January-2026

Wavell Heights Mourns Beloved Healthcare Worker After Two Decades of Service

Photo Credit: Facebook / Tammy Copley QNMU Councillor 2021-2025 - retired.

The Wavell Heights community is reeling from the tragic loss of a dedicated healthcare worker who had served local families for two decades.

Carra Samantha Luke, 48, was discovered deceased at a residence in nearby Taigum during the early hours of Saturday morning. Queensland Police were called to the scene at approximately 12.30am.

Ms Luke’s husband, Shane Scheikowski, 52, has since been charged with murder (domestic violence offence) and entering a dwelling with intent. He appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday, 25 August. Police have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

The loss has deeply affected staff and patients at Nundah Doctors Surgery in Wavell Heights, where Ms Luke had worked as a nurse for the past 20 years. The medical practice, located on Bilsen Road, has served the local community with personalised patient care and a holistic approach to healthcare.

In a heartfelt statement posted on their website, the medical practice described Ms Luke as an exceptional colleague and caregiver. The tribute highlighted her empathetic nature and professional dedication, noting she had been integral to the practice’s operations and patient care throughout her lengthy tenure.

Local residents have also expressed their shock and sadness at the news. Neighbour Jackson Hughesman described Ms Luke as someone who would go to great lengths to help others, reflecting the sentiment shared throughout the close-knit community.

The investigation involved multiple crime scenes, with Queensland Police establishing cordoned areas at the Taigum residence and a separate location in McDowall, approximately 11 kilometres away. The State Emergency Service also assisted with searching a nearby aged care facility, which became a third crime scene during the investigation.

For residents affected by this tragedy, support services are available through Queensland Health and various community organisations. The medical practice has thanked the community for their support during this difficult time.

Ms Luke is remembered as a devoted mother, respected healthcare professional, and generous neighbour who made a lasting impact on all who knew her.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14).

Published 24-August-2025

Series of Burglary Attempts Target Wavell Heights

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane North

A series of burglary attempts across Wavell Heights last Thursday night has prompted police to seek public assistance as they continue their search for the suspect.

Between 10:45 PM and 11:30 PM on Thursday, March 20, an unknown male attempted to break into multiple homes and vehicles across five streets in the suburb. The affected areas include Glenside Street, Benyon Street, Newman Road, Highlands Street, and Main Avenue.

In one successful theft, keys to a vehicle were taken from a Highlands Street address. A suspicious Volkswagen Amarok noted during the incidents was later recovered in neighbouring Northgate the following day.

Police responded promptly after receiving reports of suspicious activity from Wavell Heights residents, deploying unmarked units and the dog squad to patrol the area. Despite their quick response, the suspect had already fled the scene.

Investigators have obtained CCTV footage from residents, which they’ve distributed to patrolling officers. Police have released a description of a person of interest who may be able to assist with their ongoing investigation.

The man is described as having a tanned complexion, proportionate build, and dark hair worn in a bun. At the time of the incidents, he was wearing blue shorts and a black baseball cap, but no shirt or shoes.

Local authorities are asking residents to remain vigilant and ensure their homes and vehicles are properly secured. They’re also requesting anyone with additional information or security footage from the night of March 20 to come forward.

Anyone who recognises the described individual or has information related to these incidents is urged to contact police through Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 27-March-2025

Two Men Detained at Northgate Home in Police Investigation

Police have detained two men at a Northgate home following an incident where shots were allegedly fired at an unoccupied vehicle in Bald Hills yesterday.

Emergency services responded to reports of gunfire on Gladdon Street in Bald Hills around 10:30am Sunday. Upon arrival, officers discovered a parked car that had been shot at in what police believe was a targeted attack. No injuries were reported.

Following the incident, officers attended a residence on Nudgee Road in Northgate where they took two men into custody. During their search of the Northgate property, police allegedly located a shotgun.

The 20-year-old man now faces 11 charges, including:

Discharging a weapon in a public place
Wilful damage
Unlawful possession of a category A weapon
Possession of a shortened firearm
Using a vehicle without required number plates
Driving without a license
Unlawful stalking
Assault occasioning harm (domestic violence offence)
Wilful damage (domestic violence offence)
Deprivation of liberty
Unlawful possession of explosives

The accused is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today. Authorities have confirmed investigations are continuing, with particular focus on the Northgate connection.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or Policelink on 131 444.

Published 17-February-2025

Operation Whiskey Legion Targets Crime in Wavell Heights

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane West

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.

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:

Public safety at transport hubs and shopping centres
Preventing motor vehicle theft and home invasions
Enforcing domestic violence orders
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

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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