Knife Seen as Group Targets Waratah Street Home in Pallara

A Pallara attempted break-in was captured on a home security camera as three masked people, including one carrying a knife, tried to kick down the front door of a Waratah Street home while a family was inside.



Camera Records Early-Morning Attempt

The incident occurred at about 5:10 am on 27 June while the occupants were asleep. Footage from the front entrance showed three people approaching in balaclavas, hooded clothing and gloves.

One person in a black jumper appeared to notice the camera and tried to cover it before kicking the door four times. Another person, wearing a blue jumper and gloves, was filmed holding a knife while also trying to force the door open.

The group did not enter the house. The homeowner said a fourth person was waiting nearby in an older-model black Suzuki Swift.

After the occupants switched on the lights and the homeowner shouted through a window, the three people returned to the vehicle and left.

Hooded person reaching towards a home security camera
Photo Credit: OptimisticPomegranate3660/Pallara Community Crime Watch/Facebook

Family Calls Triple Zero

The homeowner was inside with his pregnant partner and their four-year-old son when the banging began. He called Triple Zero while the attempted entry was unfolding and reported that weapons were involved.

He said the operator transferred the call to Policelink after the group had driven away. The homeowner reported being asked further questions about details he had already given before being advised that an SMS link would be sent so he could complete a form.

He ended the call after receiving that advice.

The homeowner later criticised the response as inadequate. He claimed no patrol car attended the property and said a forensic police officer was the first officer to arrive several hours after the attempted break-in.

He also said the noise woke his son, who became distressed during the incident.

Security footage showing masked people outside a front door
Photo Credit: OptimisticPomegranate3660/Pallara Community Crime Watch/Facebook

Police Investigate Pallara Attempted Break-In

Queensland Police Service confirmed it had received a report concerning an attempted break and enter at the Waratah Street property and was investigating.



The security footage was later shared in a local community group. In a response to the post, police encouraged anyone with relevant footage or information to contact Policelink on 131 444 or submit a report online.

Published 3-July-2026

Forest Lake Launches Voluntary CCTV Program to Keep Community Safe

As part of its effort to reduce crime incidence in the neighbourhood, Forest Lake will be the first Brisbane suburb to implement the Community Camera Alliance program of Queensland Police Service (QPS).

Photo credit: CC-BY/Mike_fleming/Flickr

Community Camera Alliance is an initiative by the QPS to allow Forest Lake residents to take part in safeguarding the community.

Under the program, the police will have access to a greater number of closed circuit television (CCTV) systems to help them solve crimes and ultimately prevent criminal activities in the suburb.

How It Works

The Community Camera Alliance allows the police to get more eyes on the scene with the help of registered CCTVs.

Any resident or business who owns a CCTV can join the program by registering their CCTV system with QPS. Police with then get access to footages from these CCTVs in case they will need them for their investigative work.

Investigators have used CCTVs from private individuals and businesses in the past. However, it is time-consuming and resource intensive to locate security cameras. With private CCTVs registered, the police can easily find the necessary cameras they will need for crucial investigations.

Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook

If the police see that a registered security camera can be helpful in an investigation, they will contact the owner to ask for help. CCTV footages may also be used for court procedures.

Participants in the program can rest assured that the information they have provided during registration will be kept secure.

In case the CCTV owner decides to be de-register, they can do by notifying QPS.

Registration

To jumpstart the program, QPS is working with the Salvation Army and the Forest Lake Community Safety Working Group for Village Connect. Village Connect will be a gathering of Forest Lake residents to discuss the voluntary CCTV registration program. Officers from the Centenary patrol will be on hand to explain the program.

Village Connect will be held on Saturday, 15 July 2017, starting 2:00 p.m., at the Claremont Parade Park, Forest Park. Initial registration of private CCTV systems for Community Camera Alliance will be held on that day.

The Community Camera Alliance program is already in place in Mackay. Find out more about the Mackay program here.