Police swapped patrol cars for a rowboat and golf buggies while chasing an accused thief through Ransome and Birkdale yesterday.
The officers were praised for their lateral thinking after the alleged offender, wanted on outstanding warrants, swam across Tingalpa Creek to try and evade arrest.
The man, a 23-year-old from Ransome, allegedly dumped the stolen motorbike he was riding and ran when he spotted two police officers on bicycles at about 1.40pm on Wednesday.
After watching the suspect swim across to the Howeston Golf Course, one of the officers borrowed a rowboat and crossed the creek.
Reinforcements were called to cordon off both sides of the creek, while the constable used the rowboat again to help ferry the dog squad across to the Birkdale side.
The golf club provided buggies for police to use in the search.
A police dog eventually found the man allegedly attempting to once again flee into the creek.
Officers recovered a bag filled with suspected stolen jewellery at the scene.
He was arrested and charged with three counts each of unlawful use of motor vehicle and stealing, two counts each of stealing/receive and obstruct police, and one count each of possess tainted property and unlawfully possess motor vehicle.
Brisbane Water Police helped escort the officers and suspect back across the creek after the arrest in a more conventional vessel.
The man is due to face court later this week.
