The great race

Damon Guppy

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Dramatic pictures were taken showing the moment police collared an alleged burglar who attempted a daring triathlon-style escape yesterday morning.

The man led detectives on a two-hour chase through Parramatta Park before he was tackled in a park near Gelling St about 10am.

When police went to his Martyn St unit about 8am in relation to a string of break-ins, he allegedly escaped by jumping from a first-storey balcony into a swimming pool.

"He jumped into the pool, got out and ran away," Cairns CIB acting Det Sen-Sgt Jason Chetham said.

The man returned to his unit a short time later and retrieved some of his belongings and a bicycle before riding off.

Police patrolled the area and spotted him riding on Gelling St about two hours later.

The man allegedly got off his bike and ran into parkland with officers in hot pursuit.

Police tackled him following a short chase and arrested him.

"He was in possession of some property that we will be investigating," acting Det Sen-Sgt Chetham said.

The man was taken to the city's watchhouse and later charged with several break and enter offences committed in Cairns and Townsville.

He was held in custody overnight to appear in Cairns Magistrates' Court today.

Police are investigating several other unrelated break and enters around Cairns in the past week.

Many occurred because of unlocked doors and windows, prompting a warning for residents to properly secure their homes.

<strong>Gotcha:</strong> Police arrest the alleged burglar after a two-hour chase around the streets of Cairns in which he leapt off a balcony into a pool before fleeing on foot and a bicycle.

Gotcha: Police arrest the alleged burglar after a two-hour chase around the streets of Cairns in which he leapt off a balcony into a pool before fleeing on foot and a bicycle.

<strong>Plastic solution:</strong> A plan involving pool-fence style barrier and plastic curtains will see Villa Romana retain most of its outdoor dining area that encroaches on the footpath. Mayor Val Schier has welcomed the compromise.

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<strong>No laughing matter:</strong> Cairns CIB Det Sen-Sgt Jason Chetham said although the incident appeared to be a hoax, the boy was technically committing a robbery.

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<strong>Back to earth:</strong> It was thumbs up when Jonathon Johnson, 10, touched down after his 10-minute chopper ride over the Cairns Show.

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THIS youngster has been on a roller-coaster ride all his life. more

<strong>Just keep paddling:</strong> Bodo Lenitschek and Jane Vincent at the finish line of the 48-hour race.

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<strong>Anger:</strong> Ocean's Edge landscaper David Poulsen is furious at the theft of grass trees worth $750 from a display garden at Palm Cove.

Low life root of problem

LOW-LIFE jealous thieves have stolen expensive imported plants from landscaper David Poulsen and he wants them back. more

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