police Archives - Fortitude Valley News

Valley Preschoolers Team Up with Police for Community Gardening Project

Fortitude Valley Police Station welcomed some of its youngest visitors last week when preschoolers from Brookes Street Early Education rolled up their sleeves for a community gardening initiative.

The event, held on 9 October in the station’s entry way garden, saw police officers working alongside preschool-aged children to plant seeds that will grow into colourful flowers in the coming weeks.

Sergeant Sue Walsh described the station as “buzzing with excitement” during the collaboration, which aims to build positive connections between police and young community members from an early age.

The children from the local early education centre made the short journey to the Brunswick Street station, where they participated in hands-on gardening activities with officers. The initiative transforms a practical gardening project into an opportunity for relationship-building between Queensland Police Service members and Fortitude Valley’s youngest residents.

As the seeds take root and begin to grow, the children will have the opportunity to observe their gardening efforts flourish into a display of flowers in various shapes and colours at the police station’s entrance.

The community-focused event represents ongoing efforts by Fortitude Valley Police Station to strengthen ties with local families and organisations in the inner-city Brisbane suburb.

Community members with information for police can contact Policelink through the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, available 24 hours a day.

Anonymous crime information can be reported via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 10-October-2025

French Traveller Recovers from Valley Attack, Praises Community Support

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A young French traveller who was seriously injured whilst attempting to break up a violent altercation in Fortitude Valley last week has been released from hospital and expressed his gratitude for the community support he received.

Lilian Makusa, a 21-year-old backpacker from Lille in northern France, sustained multiple stab wounds during the incident which occurred outside the heritage-listed Prince Consort Hotel on Wickham Street in the early hours of Thursday, 24 July.

The incident unfolded around 3:30am when Makusa attempted to intervene in a fight between other individuals. During the altercation, he was allegedly stabbed twice in the chest and once in the shoulder, requiring immediate hospitalisation at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

Following his discharge on Monday, the young tourist shared his experience, describing the immediate aftermath of the attack. He recalled feeling confused initially, not immediately realising the severity of his injuries until he noticed the bleeding. Despite the trauma, he maintained his composure and credited both his friends and bystanders who assisted him at the scene.

Makusa, who had been in Brisbane for four months as part of an eight-month Australian working holiday, described the incident as completely unexpected, particularly given his positive impressions of the city. He had originally planned to depart for Bali this past Saturday but has now extended his stay by one week to attend follow-up medical appointments.

The attack has necessitated changes to his travel plans, with the tourist now scheduled to visit Bali before returning to France. Despite the ordeal, he expressed continued appreciation for Brisbane and its residents, noting that the incident has not diminished his overall positive experience in the city.

His family in France were understandably concerned when news of the attack reached them, though they have been reassured by his recovery progress.

Multiple news sources confirmed that emergency services responded to the scene and transported the victim to hospital with life-threatening injuries, which have since stabilised.

Two local teenagers, Jackson Martin and Jack David Pereira, both aged 18, have been charged in connection with the incident. They appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday facing various charges.

Pereira faces charges including acts intended to maim, disfigure or disable, assault occasioning bodily harm while armed or in company, going armed so as to cause fear, and possession of a knife in a public place. He was remanded in custody with his matter adjourned until 25 August.

Martin has been charged with acts intended to maim, disfigure or disable. He was granted bail and his case was adjourned to 18 August.

The incident occurred outside the multi-level heritage hotel which features eight different bars and has been a prominent Valley venue since 1888.

This attack highlights ongoing concerns about late-night safety in the entertainment precinct, though community members and visitors continue to show support for one another during difficult circumstances.

Published 29-July-2025

Fortitude Valley Unit Complex Residents Targeted in String of Garage Thefts

Photo Credit: mypoliceqld

A spate of thefts from garage storage cages and car parks in Fortitude Valley unit complexes has prompted a warning from Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley District Crime Prevention Coordinators.

The thieves, who gain access by tailgating residents or exploiting open garage doors, have made off with a variety of items, including bicycles, vehicle registration plates, tools, sporting equipment, luggage, personal documents, and household items.

Local police stress that the security of these shared spaces is a collective responsibility, urging both residents and building managers to remain vigilant and take proactive measures.

Implementing good security practices and removing incentives for thieves are crucial steps in deterring such crimes.

To assist residents in safeguarding their belongings, authorities have issued a series of practical tips. These include keeping valuables out of sight, ensuring garage doors close securely, reporting suspicious activity, using high-quality locks, and avoiding the storage of excess items in communal areas.

Motorbike owners are also advised to consider additional security measures like ground anchors, chains, and alarms.

In addition to these recommendations, the City Valley DCPC has been distributing flyers containing security information to letterboxes in the area. Residents are reminded that they can report any suspicious activity online or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.

Published Date 13-May-2024