By Patrick Avenell

Queensland Police in the state’s far north are currently targeting gadget thieves in a wide-ranging brief dubbed ‘Operation Colossal’.

Since the program commenced in June 2011, uniform and undercover officers from the Cairns Police District have charged more than 300 people with over 1,500 offences.

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This mission is focused on the theft of laptops, MP3 players, mobile phones, cameras and video game consoles, as well as wallets and car keys.

“Opportunistic thieves continue to target homes, businesses and vehicles, especially those where security measures are not used or used incorrectly. Members of the public can’t afford to be complacent about security,” said Cairns District Crime Prevention Co-ordinator Sergeant Cary Coolican.

“Doors and windows should be locked at all times. Vehicles are easy targets when they are left unlocked with valuables clearly visible. Cars have been stolen when offenders have stolen the keys from inside a home. Car keys should be well hidden and not left in plain view, as a spare in vehicles or left in the ignition.”