A 17-year-old Murarrie teen has been charged with 23 offences following a Queensland Police investigation into a series of alleged vehicle thefts tied to gyms across Brisbane. The charges follow incidents said to have occurred over a seven-week period between 2 March and 19 April this year.
According to Queensland Police, the alleged offending involved a group of young people entering gym facilities and taking car keys from unsecured lockers. Suburbs affected include Herston, Rocklea, Bulimba, East Brisbane, Inala, Chapel Hill, and South Brisbane.
The matter came to a head on 19 April, when officers spotted a teenager travelling in a white 2024 Hyundai across the Brisbane region — a vehicle police allege had been stolen from a Broadbeach Waters address the day prior. Local police crews, supported by the Polair helicopter unit, pursued the vehicle before deploying a tyre deflation device in Inala. The teenager was arrested at the scene.
The Murarrie teen faces charges including five counts each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle (UUMV) – use, and enter premises and commit an indictable offence; three counts of UUMV – use in night in company; two counts each of attempted enter dwelling with intent and enter premises with intent to commit an indictable offence; and one count each of enter premises and commit an indictable offence by break, and stealing. Police bail was refused, and he was due to appear before the Brisbane Children’s Court on 20 April.
Three other young people, also found in the vehicle, were subsequently arrested and charged.
A 15-year-old boy from Inala was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, driving without a licence, and dangerous operation of a vehicle. He was refused bail and was due before the Richlands Children’s Court on 20 April.
A 17-year-old girl from Cannon Hill was charged with UUMV – use in company, possession of a dangerous drug, and stealing. She is due to appear before the Brisbane Children’s Court on 5 May.
A 15-year-old girl from Redland Bay was charged with two counts each of possession of a dangerous drug and stealing, along with one count of UUMV – use in company. She is due before the Richlands Children’s Court on 21 May.
Police investigations are continuing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Policelink online or by calling 131 444, quoting reference numbers QP2600663210, QP2600727271, or QP2600749825. Information can also be passed on anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersqld.com.au.
In light of the alleged incidents, Queensland Police are urging all gym-goers to take care with their belongings. Specifically, people are advised to use lockable lockers wherever they are available, or to keep vehicle keys and other valuables on their person during workouts. Police have also asked members of the public to stay alert when entering and leaving gym facilities — particularly at venues where fob or swipe access is required — and to avoid letting in people they do not know. Anyone who notices suspicious behaviour is encouraged to alert gym staff or contact police.
Published 20-April-2026
