theft Archives - Morningside News

Community Appeal Launched for Return of Missing Murarrie Statue

Police are calling on the Murarrie community to help solve the mystery of a missing bronze statue that disappeared from the local recreation reserve more than four months ago.

The sculpture, which depicts a skateboarder performing a handplant manoeuvre, was taken from Murarrie Recreation Reserve on Wynnum Road around 1 April this year. The distinctive bronze artwork shows a skater balanced on one hand while gripping their skateboard with the other—a classic skateboarding trick that would be familiar to many users of the park’s popular skate facilities.

Murarrie Recreation Reserve, located on Wynnum Road approximately 6 kilometres east of Brisbane’s city centre, is home to a well-used skate park that serves the local skateboarding and cycling community. The facility includes skate park features alongside cycling tracks, basketball courts, and other recreational amenities, making it a hub for active recreation in the area.

The skate park has undergone recent improvements, with an extension approved in 2022 that added approximately 732 square metres of additional skating area and features. The broader recreation reserve is also set to house Brisbane’s new international-standard cycling facility as part of preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The theft has left a noticeable gap in the park’s landscape, removing what was likely an important piece of community art celebrating the skateboarding culture that thrives at the venue. Bronze sculptures are particularly vulnerable to theft due to their material value, but this piece also held cultural significance for the skating community.

Queensland Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the theft or has information about the statue’s whereabouts to come forward. They are particularly interested in hearing from people who may have relevant CCTV footage or dashcam recordings from around the time of the incident.

Detective investigations are continuing under reference number QP2500729645. The delay between the theft and the public appeal suggests police have been pursuing other investigative leads before reaching out to the broader community for assistance.

Community members with information can contact Policelink through the online suspicious activity form available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, or by calling 131 444.

For those who prefer to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers can be contacted on 1800 333 000 or through their online reporting system at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 12-August-2025

Series of Home Invasions Shock Morningside Residents

A series of audacious home invasions has left Morningside residents on edge, as masked intruders targeted multiple properties in the early hours of Wednesday morning, September 23. The most alarming incident involved thieves breaking into the bedroom of a sleeping infant.

Security footage from a home on Pockley Street captured the moment when several masked individuals approached the residence around 2 AM. The group was seen using scissors to cut through a screen door before entering the property. In a disturbing turn of events, the intruders made their way upstairs and into a child’s bedroom where a three-year-old was sleeping.

The thieves stole car keys and personal belongings before fleeing the scene. The recording captured one of the perpetrators urging the others to hurry.

This was not an isolated incident. Shortly after, the group struck again at a nearby home on Oberon Street. The resident reported that the intruders quickly entered his property, stole a handbag containing car keys, and made off with another vehicle. The victim stated that this was the second time his family had fallen victim to car theft.

The crime spree continued with a third car stolen from outside Jetts gym on Wynnum Road.

Local law enforcement has launched a major operation to apprehend the suspects. They are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the individuals involved.

Individuals with information are encouraged to contact Policelink by submitting details through the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, reports can be made to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or through their website at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

As the investigation continues, residents are advised to review their home security measures and take extra precautions to safeguard their properties and vehicles.

Published 25-September-2024

Police Hunt Burglar After Morningside Break-In

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Police are on the hunt for a burglar following a brazen daylight burglary in the suburb of Morningside around 12:10 pm on Wednesday, March 20th. An appeal for public assistance has been issued to identify a man caught on CCTV footage

According to investigators, the unknown suspect broke into a home on Wynnum Road. He allegedly made off with a quantity of jewellery and antique items before fleeing the scene on foot towards Moore Street and Redfern Street.

Fortunately, no one was harmed during the incident. However, detectives from the Criminal Investigation Unit in nearby Dutton Park have now released security camera vision showing a man they believe can help with their inquiries into the case.

Police suspect the burglary may be linked to another similar break-in that occurred in the Seven Hills area back in July 2023.

The public is being urged to take a close look at the CCTV footage. Anyone who recognises the individual or has any other relevant information is asked to contact authorities immediately.

Residents are reminded they can provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or visiting www.crimestoppersqld.com.au. The case reference number is QP2400495494.

Published 29-March-2024