Four teenager thieves were apprehended by Queensland police following an alleged joy ride in a stolen car streamed live on social media.
The incident occurred in Brisbane’s north and culminated in the arrest of the teens, including a 15-year-old girl, after the vehicle was stopped by road spikes.
The car, reportedly stolen from Bardon over the weekend, was traced to Carseldine, where law enforcement intercepted the teenagers later that night.
Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service
Acting Detective Superintendent Craig Williams revealed that the alleged crimes were broadcast in real-time.
“While being pursued by police, the offenders were livestreaming from the vehicle,” he said.
One of the juvenile offenders even made threats to commit additional offences, prompting police to intervene.
Authorities have charged a 17-year-old boy with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and unlicensed driving. Additionally, two boys aged 16 and 18, along with the 15-year-old girl, face charges of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Recently introduced legislation in Queensland targets offenders who flaunt their crimes on social media. These laws designate such behaviour as an “aggravating factor” for car thieves who share footage of their unlawful acts.
Acting Assistant Commissioner for Youth Crime, Andrew Massingham, emphasised the role of social media in perpetuating repeat offences. “It’s not to attain property for personal benefit, it is to live stream and to obtain notoriety,” he remarked.
Massingham highlighted ongoing efforts involving specialised analysts to identify individuals engaged in such activities and collaborate to divert potential offenders from a life of crime.
This incident highlights the complex relationship between social media, youth crime, and law enforcement efforts to curb such behavior in the digital age.
Published 9-January-2024