Round the clock patrols, dog squads and aerial surveillance will make up just part of Queensland Police’s efforts to crack down on flood looters.
The newly announced Operation Uniform Nash will aim both to put an end to the practice and investigate those who have already committed break-ins.
Officers from across the state will be drawn on to assist including plain clothes, railway squad, dog squad and other specialist teams.
Patrols have already commenced in flood zone areas from Maryborough to the Gold Coast, involving both Water Police and POLAIR helicopters.
Earlier, Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan held nothing back, calling flood looters “grubs” for preying on vulnerable victims.
“This is outrageous behaviour,” he said during Tuesday’s flood update.
“What you are doing is not just illegal, but you are also grubs, you are preying on the most vulnerable Queenslanders at their most vulnerable time.”
The minister’s statement comes after Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll expressed her dismay over three robberies that occurred on Monday afternoon in the suburbs of Goodna, Blackstone and Bundamba.
Police spotted a man paddling a kayak through flood waters on Brisbane Rd, carrying a large amount of bait and tackle around on Monday afternoon.
The 22-year-old Goodna man allegedly broke into the freezer of a convenience store before stealing several items. He was charged with one count of enter premise and commit indictable offence and is expected to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on March 21.
A flooded charity store in Bundamba was also broken into on Monday evening, with the thieves taking jewellery and a small amount of donated cash.
In Blackstone, a resident who had evacuated returned on Monday morning to find their property had been broken into, with several items of value stolen.
“I cannot overstate how disappointed and disgusted I am that it has occurred in areas where people have had to leave their houses,” Ms Carroll said.
“Through this operation, we will ensure there is a strong police presence in flood affected areas to protect our community against heartless thieves.
“Our message to anyone thinking about stealing from homes or businesses is that you can expect police to track you down and ensure you are held responsible for your actions,” Ms Carroll added.
“We will investigate you, arrest you and charge you and put you up before the courts like you deserve.”
More than 51xjmtzyw,000 people are still without power in Brisbane and more than 15,000 homes have been impacted by floodwaters.
While the rain has begun to subside, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned the Brisbane River is likely to meet another “significant peak” of 3.7m on Tuesday – still below the 2011 record levels.
