Mayor Greg Campbell said local senior citizens had been the victims of “lower level” break-ins in recent months. 

“This one was a different level though,” Cr Campbell said. “There was a knock on the door to distract the lady. It wasn’t just opportune.”

The council was the “voice of the community” and needed to show this crime was unacceptable, the mayor said. 

“The fact the crime itself was against an elderly person isn’t going to be tolerated by this community, and the police through all their good work still didn’t have enough evidence to catch the offenders in this particular crime.” 

Cloncurry Police Station’s officer-in-charge, Senior Sergeant Brad Rix, also a shire councillor, said the break and enter happened at a Sutherland Street address shortly after midnight on Tuesday, March 7. 

He urged residents with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

They could also contact police online at crimestoppersqld.com.au, or by downloading the Crime Stoppers’ phone app. 

The 81-year-old woman’s stolen green 1998 Toyota Camry Sedan was recovered undamaged in Griffiths Street. Personal items had also been stolen. 

Senior Sergeant Rix said the reward proved the commitment that the council had in keeping the community safe. 

“The Cloncurry police have been actively, and successfully, investigating a number of recent property crime offences, and we have been able to recover stolen property and prosecute numerous people,” Senior Sergeant Rix said. 

“Crime prevention and community safety is however a shared responsibility. The Cloncurry Police and Cloncurry Council have shown a commitment to this challenge.”