Cherbourg’s State School has been placed into lockdown this afternoon, following concerns of safety for students as a stolen car is reportedly rampaging through the town.
A spokesperson for the school informed parents and carers that children at the school today, 29 November, would not be allowed to walk or board transportation back home due to security concerns arising from the unsafe driving of a stolen silver-coloured sedan in the Cherbourg community.
Parents and guardians were advised that they may come and collect their children from the school themselves if they feel it is safe to do so, and to contact the school with any further questions.
The lockdown comes after Queensland Police urged Cherbourg residents to remain vigilant about a pair of cars reported stolen earlier today, with officers attempting to track down the drivers of a small yellow car and a silver sedan.
“Anyone with any information on the location of either vehicle and persons allegedly unlawfully using the motor vehicles is asked to call PoliceLink on 131444, contact the local station, or if an emergency call 000,” a QPS brief read.
“The assistance the Cherbourg community provides is appreciated,” it went on.
A spokesperson for Cherbourg Radio, which keeps the town’s community informed about local matters of interest, confirmed that police have been monitoring the vehicle on community surveillance throughout the day.
MAYOR LASHES OUT AT ‘DISGUSTING’ CAR THIEVES
Following the reports of the two stolen cars earlier today, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Elvie Sandow has taken to social media to express her shame and frustration at the thieving joyriders.
“Mayor Elvie Sandow, fellow councillors and management wish to make it known we do not in any way condone car theft,” a post on the CASC Facebook page read.
“We share our community’s frustration and disgust at those who are endangering the lives of not just themselves and their friends, but our Gundoo, elders, uncles and aunties who live here.
“You are not a hero or clever, stealing cars, speeding and skidding through our streets… when does this stop? When you kill yourself, a family member an innocent child?
“Is that the guilt you want to live with for the rest of your life?
“You have no thought for yourself, your future or your mob… you are not just giving yourself a bad name, you are giving our Cherbourg community a bad name and reputation.
“Do the right thing and do it now! Just stop!” the message concluded.
Mayor Sandow’s post comes just days after Nanango MP Deb Frecklington similarly voiced her concern at the amount of stolen car cases coming out of Cherbourg.
“This morning I have spoken with Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Elvie Sandow – her community is outraged, frustrated, and fed up,” Ms Frecklington said on 23 November.
“With policing numbers not keeping pace with population growth, how are things ever going to improve? Breach of bail must be made an offence.”
