Sippy Downs Resident’s Heroic Act Ends Teen’s Luxury Car Crime Spree

A Sippy Downs resident’s brave actions led to the arrest of 19-year-old Devontae Simpson, effectively ending a two-week crime spree that spanned Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. The incident, which occurred on February 17, 2024, was detailed in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.



Simpson, who pleaded guilty to over 30 charges, including burglaries and multiple counts of unlawful use of motor vehicles, met his match when he attempted to steal a Toyota LandCruiser ute from a Sippy Downs property. The resident, alerted by the sound of his vehicle starting, rushed to confront the thief.

In a display of quick thinking and courage, the Sippy Downs homeowner jumped into the passenger side of his vehicle as Simpson attempted to flee. Despite the teen’s efforts to escape, including reversing at high speed into a fence, the determined resident managed to pull the handbrake, bringing the vehicle to a halt.

After Simpson fled on foot, the homeowner gave chase, successfully tackling and subduing the young offender. The struggle left the Sippy Downs man with lacerations to his arm and knee, but his perseverance paid off. With the help of neighbours, Simpson was detained until police arrived.

This act of bravery not only protected the Sippy Downs resident’s property but also put an end to a crime spree that had seen luxury vehicles stolen from upscale Brisbane suburbs, including Ashgrove, Auchenflower, Virginia, Bardon, and Clayfield.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Devontae Simpson

The court heard that Simpson’s criminal activities began on January 26 in north Brisbane and escalated to include the theft of high-end vehicles such as a Porsche, BMW, Audi, Jeep, and Mercedes. Police prosecutor Shane Raison described Simpson’s philosophy during the spree as “What’s mine is mine, and what’s yours is mine.”



As a result of his crimes and the brave intervention of the Sippy Downs resident, Simpson has been sentenced to 15 months in jail, with parole eligibility set for January 3, 2025.

Published 3-September-2024

Record Participation in 2023 StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup

The 2023 StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup State Finals saw the crowning of premiers after months of competition across Queensland. A record 693 teams and almost 16,000 students have participated in the games since March.



2023 StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup

The StreetSmarts Cup is AFL Queensland’s premier interschool competition for Primary and Secondary students. First introduced in 2016, the state-wide competition includes boys’ and girls’ sides as well as inclusion teams.

This year’s State Finals took place October 13 to October 15 at Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex. Thirty-four teams from 25 schools in six divisions competed for the premiership over the weekend. Games kicked off on Friday, followed by the Primary and Secondary School State Finals on Saturday and Sunday.

Massive growth for flagship schools competition

Photo Credit: Supplied

Trisha Squires, Head of AFL Queensland, noted the significant growth of the competition this year:

  • Record 693 teams participated across Queensland in 2023
  • Nearly 16,000 students took part in total
  • Teams travelled from as far as Cairns, Rockhampton, and Brisbane

“The StreetSmarts Cup has seen incredible growth,” said Squires. “Thank you to all the students, teachers, parents, coaches, umpires, and volunteers who made this statewide carnival possible.”

StreetSmarts sponsorship connects competition to road safety

The StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup is proudly sponsored by StreetSmarts, an initiative by the Department of Transport and Main Roads promoting road safety.

General Manager Joanna Robinson said the event provides an opportunity to reach the next generation. “We are proud to partner with AFLQ to deliver this great competition and promote the importance of road safety to young Queenslanders.”

Sunshine Coast hosts climactic finals weekend

Sunshine Coast Councillor Jason O’Pray said the region was excited to host the climactic finals at the state-of-the-art Maroochydore Multi-Sports Complex.

“It is great to follow that with the arrival of a record number of talented young AFL athletes to grow, develop and compete in a safe, friendly environment at the Maroochydore Multi-Sports Complex,” O’Pray said.



The 2023 StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup State Finals marked yet another triumphant year for AFL Queensland’s premier schools competition. With record-breaking student participation from all corners of the state, the StreetSmarts Cup continues to be a vital platform for young Queenslanders to foster teamwork, leadership and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Published 16-October-2023