Queensland police have launched an operation to prevent looting in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Queensland Police Service (QPS) Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon said Operation Xray Secure would focus on disrupting opportunistic offenders targeting homes and businesses vulnerable during the severe weather.
Deputy Commissioner Scanlon said police would conduct additional proactive anti-looting patrols of affected areas across the southeast.
She said more than 110 additional police from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton had arrived in the southeast to support the police and emergency services response to the ongoing severe weather, joining an extra 249 police officers already deployed alongside local police resources.
“Police efforts under Operation Xray Secure have resulted in several arrests during proactive patrols on the Gold Coast and Brisbane.”
Deputy Commissioner Scanlon said police were committed to keeping Queenslanders safe through the weather event.
“Police across the southeast will be out in force, bolstered again by additional police and SES resources.
“Whether it’s responding to calls for assistance, disrupting opportunistic thieves targeting innocent Queenslander’s properties or providing a helping hand where it’s needed most.
“We urge anyone who observes suspicious or criminal behaviour to report it to police, this information is invaluable in helping inform where proactive patrols are needed most.”
