Police are investigating reports of looting in flood-affected towns in North Queensland and will deploy extra patrols to the region.
As relentless rainfall caused floods across the north, residents were forced to either evacuate their homes or take necessary precautions if they chose to remain.
Since Sunday, police have received three reports of looting and damage at evacuated homes in Ingham, Railway Estate and Rosslea.
Townsville Superintendent Chris Lawson said high-visibility anti-looting patrols are being conducted across North Queensland, including Townsville and surrounding areas.
“The Queensland Police Service has zero tolerance for stealing, especially during a disaster,” he said.
“I am disgusted by these reports of people in our community taking advantage of this weather event and the devastation it has caused across our region.
“As we move into the recovery phase, police will continue to target offenders and hold them responsible for their actions.”
Extra police have been deployed to flood zones this week and are conducting 24-hour patrols to deter anti-social and criminal behaviour.
Investigations are ongoing and anyone whose home may have been targeted is urged to contact police.
Footage captures extent of deadly Queensland floods
North Queensland, particularly Townsville and Ingham, has seen hundreds of millimetres of daily rainfall which has caused minor to major flooding across the region since last week.
Two people, a 63-year-old woman and an 82-year-old woman, have died in the floodwaters and a man remains missing in Ingham.
Ingham remains inundated with homes still at least partially submerged in floodwaters. Residents who evacuated are still unable to return.
Townsville residents who earlier evacuated have been told it is safe to return home.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the worst of the deluge is over but thunderstorms are forecast for the coming days.
Premier David Crisafulli today reiterated that the region is still in a state of emergency and urged residents to follow the advice of authorities.
