Cairns cop is praised for giving alleged car thief a brutal reality check after he claimed he was 'only a passenger'

Published: 05:19, 1 July 2026 | Updated: 05:22, 1 July 2026 Footage has emerged of the moment a cop gave an alleged car thief a tough reality check, telling him the community was 'sick to their guts' of his behaviour.  Queensland Police allege three teenage boys stole a Toyota Kluger from Edge Hill, in Cairns, on June 28. The car was brought to a stop after police deployed a tyre deflation device, when the three boys allegedly attempted to flee the vehicle.  One teenager, in a blue top, lay face down with his hands behind his back on the nature strip as an officer ran up to him and told him he was under arrest.  'Get on the ground,' the officer yelled. Bodycam footage showed the teenager telling the cop that he was 'only a passenger'. The cop then delivered a blunt wake-up call to the teenager. 'You're still in the car. The community has had enough,' he said. Footage has emerged of the moment a cop gave an alleged car thief a tough reality check  'They're sick to their guts of you jumping in cars, driving around like pork chops, putting everyone else at risk, going into people's homes. 'Who the hell do you think you are, mate?' The teen was then seen being helped into the back of a police vehicle.  A short time later, officers were seen telling two other teenagers in shorts, walking down a nearby street, to get down on the ground, before arresting them and escorting them to the back of a police vehicle.    A 16-year-old boy was charged with two counts of enter premises and commit, and one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, trespass, and possess by night instrument of house breaking. A 17-year-old boy was charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. A 17-year-old boy was charged with two counts of enter dwelling and commit, and one count each of possess by night instrument of house breaking, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, trespass, attempted enter dwelling and commit and possessing of a knife in a public place or school.   They were all refused police bail and appeared before the Cairns Children's Court on Tuesday. A short time later, officers were seen telling two other teenagers in shorts, walking down a nearby street, to get down on the ground, before arresting them and escorting them to the back of a police vehicle  The teens were all refused police bail and appeared before the Cairns Children's Court on Tuesday Many Aussies praised the officers for telling the teens off. 'Love the copper getting stuck into them,' one said. 'Well done to the copper for telling him how the public are so sick of it,' a second said.  'Great to see some feedback to the criminals from the police, keep up the great work,' another said.  Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.