Robbery at Joseph Banks Massage Parlour Caught on CCTV

Forest Lake residents are on high alert following a brazen armed robbery at a local massage parlour on Joseph Banks Avenue. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, August 10, was captured on CCTV, revealing a disturbing scene that has prompted an urgent police investigation.

Photo Credit: myPolice South Brisbane

According to the Acacia Ridge Criminal Investigation Branch, the robbery took place just before 7:15 PM when a man entered the massage parlour wearing a black face covering and armed with a sawn-off shotgun. The footage shows the suspect brandishing the weapon at a staff member while demanding money.



The employee complied with the robber’s demands, and fortunately, no physical harm was reported. The suspect, described as wearing a hoodie and thongs, fled the scene on foot immediately after the incident.

This incident follows another armed robbery at a 7-Eleven on Sumners Road at Centenary Place on August 13. While police do not believe the two cases are linked, they are treating both with equal seriousness.

Police have released the CCTV footage in hopes that someone might recognize the suspect or provide additional information. They are particularly interested in any dashcam footage from the area on the night of August 10.



If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP2401359620

Published 26-August-2024

Turning the Screws on Crime with Forest Lake Men’s Shed’s New Event

A collaborative event between the police and members of the local Men’s Shed at Forest Lake, appropriately titled “Turning the Screws on Crime”, led to a total of 92 number plates being changed and secured with one-way screws. 

Members and volunteers from the South Brisbane District Crime Prevention Unit worked alongside handymen from the Men’s Shed at Forest Lake on the 13th of February to secure a series of automobile number plates with one-way screws to prevent theft. 

Members of Forest Lake Men’s Shed posing with handmade possum and bat boxes.
Photo credit: Supplied

“Turning the Screws on Crime” ran for a total of three hours, with 92 turnups all in all. Members of the Men’s Shed, in tandem with the police, worked hard under the sun to guarantee the safety of the Forest Lake populace. Fortunately, the event came with free food, as well as free coffee supplied by a coffee van from Cafe2U. 

Cafe2U coffee van supplying attendants and volunteers
Photo credit: Facebook

What makes license plates a prime target for thieves is the fact that offenders can attach stolen plates to stolen cars, allowing them to drive through tolls, evade fines, and speed away after committing other crimes such as petrol drive-offs without being caught. All fines and offences will be traced to the victim, causing them a great deal of grief and difficulty.



With the installation of one-way screws, thieves are greatly deterred for they’ll have a significantly more difficult time trying to steal license plates from vehicles. With the event’s sizable turn-out, coupled with the presence of the police, many would-be offenders in Forest Lake would think twice.