A Townsville sprint star is the latest victim of crime in Townsville. Twenty-four-year-old Jake Doran had just returned home after competing in Japan, when thieves allegedly broke in to his around 5am yesterday, stealing his prized performance Kia stinger.
Born and raised on Magnetic Island, Mr Doran is an avid advocate for the region, however the crime crisis hit home for the young athlete who says more needs to be done to break the cycle of repeat offending.
“I know Townsville is a great place, I know it’s safe and I know a lot of people can enjoy their time here but when things like this happen it’s really frustrating and I question the validity of Townsville [as a place to live.]
“I just hope the right things are being put into place to keep the average Townsville-ian safe and to tackle this problem that’s been going on for quite a while now.”
Mr Doran’s car has been found. He said thieves travelled around 800km in one day, writing off the vehicle during a failed burnout. There’s been no word from police on any arrests being made. The car was spotted travelling in convoy with another car, stolen from a South Townsville home on Sunday.
It comes as Townsville police arrest and charge 20 people with 110 offences, following the State Flying Squad’s week-long deployment targeting serious repeat offenders in crime hotspots. Seventeen people arrested in the crime crackdown were juveniles, including a 12-year-old Kirwan girl and A 15-year-old Kelso girl.
