More than 50 charged in first month of Operation Yankee Forge on Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast police have laid 100 charges against 53 people - including 15 juveniles - in the first month of Operation Yankee Forge, part of a statewide effort to crack down on high-harm crime.

The high-visibility operation targets offences such as unlawful use of motor vehicles, robbery and unlawful entry, with officers focused on preventing, disrupting and investigating criminal activity across the region.

Police allege that around 4.30pm on 17 March, a stolen motorbike was ridden dangerously along Perwillowen Road in Burnside, with the rider failing to stop for highway patrol officers. A 36-year-old man from Nambour has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and is scheduled to appear in Nambour Magistrates Court on 20 April.

In a separate incident, police will allege that around 1.20am on 28 March, a man attended a property on Driers Road in Cooran and entered a blue Mazda BT-50 parked outside. When confronted by the 39-year-old female owner, the man allegedly threatened her with a knife before fleeing in the vehicle.

Police later intercepted the vehicle on Wises Road and arrested the suspect. A 32-year-old Maroochydore man has been charged with multiple offences, including armed robbery, dangerous operation of a vehicle, evading police, drink driving, unaccompanied driving as a learner, possession of property linked to drug offences, and two counts of possessing dangerous drugs. He is due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 30 March.

Sunshine Coast District Officer Superintendent Craig Hawkins said the results reflect the ongoing efforts of officers across the region.

"These outcomes highlight the strong work being done every day to keep the Sunshine Coast safe," he said.

He also praised the role of the community in supporting policing efforts.

"Information from the public allows us to respond quickly, prevent crime and reduce the number of victims," he said.

Operation Yankee Forge is a six-month, district-led initiative being rolled out across Queensland, targeting high-harm and high-volume offences such as vehicle theft, robbery and break-ins.

The operation combines local knowledge with statewide coordination, with police and specialist units working together to disrupt offenders, strengthen prevention strategies and improve community safety.