A major police operation unfolded at North Lakes yesterday afternoon as officers cornered and arrested two men inside the Westfield shopping complex, marking the end of an alleged crime spree across Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
Shoppers at North Lakes witnessed dozens of police vehicles surrounding the centre around 2 PM as officers, including dog squad units, moved in to apprehend the suspects who had allegedly been involved in multiple car thefts and break-ins.
PolAir footage captured the dramatic moments leading up to the arrests, showing the suspects abandoning their vehicle — reportedly a stolen Mazda CX9 — before fleeing into the shopping centre, where they were quickly surrounded by police.
The arrests at North Lakes came after a series of alleged offences including car thefts, a collision in Caboolture, and break-ins across Brisbane’s northern suburbs. The incident began the previous night and stretched into Thursday afternoon before culminating at the busy shopping complex.
Two men — aged 24 and 28 — were arrested at the scene and face multiple charges including unlawful use of a motor vehicle and entering a dwelling. The older suspect was charged with entering a dwelling and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, while the younger man faces additional charges of dangerous operation of a vehicle and receiving stolen property.
Police continue to search for a third suspect, who remains at large. Both arrested men are scheduled to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court today.
Local shoppers reported seeing the extensive police presence, including dog squad vehicles, as officers secured the area around the shopping centre during the operation.
Published 21-February-2025
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