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A police blitz at Mackay shopping centres uncovered 22 unlocked vehicles including one with the keys in the ignition ready to drive away.
The checks of 976 vehicles across Mount Pleasant Centre and Caneland Central took officers a few hours but one unsecure car could be a day’s pay for a criminal spotting a valuable possession on the back seat.
Caneland Police Beat Acting Senior Constable Kate Ward said public complacency was why officers were placing “Don’t gift your keys to thieves” postcards on windscreens across the state.
Constable Ward said common security failings included unlocked tradie’s toolboxes, wound down windows making it easy to jimmy open doors and the formerly trusted keys on top of the tyre.
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Mackay residents are clutching onto memories of their bustling city heart with many passionate about how it could thrive once more.
South Mackayâs Roxanne McKenzie said she felt âreally stronglyâ about the issue, asking: âWhat are we doing to bring people here?â
âItâs sad, I have to say, I grew up here and it used to be the hub of the city,â Ms McKenzie said.
She said the council had to seriously consider treasuring the historical buildings, and proposed commercial landlords let pop-ups open for free, albeit temporarily, to liven retail trade. South Mackay resident Roxanne McKenzie speaking at Mount Pleasant Centre about what needs to change in the Mackay city centre to bring shoppers back. Picture: Heidi Petith
Marketing director Mark Mahoney said there were also plans for a golf course by the lakes and a resort next to the beach. Pappy s Beach sales and marketing director Mark Mahoney standing on top of the hill where residential lots with ocean and island views will be built at the master planned Shoal Point estate. Inset is an artist s impression of a resort that may be built down the track. Picture: Heidi Petith, Contributed
To find out more about Pappy‘s Beach, phone Mark Mahoney on 0481 895 637 or email mark8@live.com.au
You can also pop down to Mount Pleasant Centre where Mr Mahoney has set up an information desk.