Police have conducted a three-day high-visibility operation focused on preventing and disrupting crime in the state's northwest.
Between Thursday 30 April 2026 and Saturday 2 May 2026, officers attached to Oxley Police District –assisted by Western Region Operations Support Group, and Youth Command – saturated the Tamworth area under Operation Soteria to target and reduce crime.
As a result of the operation, police arrested and charged 17 people with a total of 51 offences.
There were also seven people issued with Field Court Attendances Notices.
Youth Command officers also attended 16 related community engagements and two schools with over 50 students in attendance.
Of particular interest,
- About 3pm on Friday 1 May 2026, police attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be stolen on Tempest Street, Gunnedah. When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.
The vehicle continued along Tempest and Barber Street before turning onto Warrumbungle Street. At the intersection of the Oxley Highway and South Street, the vehicle allegedly crossed onto the incorrect side of the road and crashed into another car before rolling.
The driver and passenger allegedly fled the scene. A 26-year-old woman was arrested nearby, while the driver — a 26-year-old man — was arrested on the grounds of a golf course.
A search of the vehicle allegedly located power tools and prohibited substances. Both were taken to Gunnedah Police Station before being transported to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
The driver was charged with,
- take and drive conveyance without consent of owner
- police ousuit – not stop – driver dangerously
- fail to stop and assist after impact cause injury
- goods in personal custody suspected being stolen
- possess prohibited drug
- break and enter house steal vakue less than $60,000
He was refused bail and will appear before Bail Division Court 5 today (Sunday 3 May 2026)
The woman was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
She was given conditional bail to appear before Gunnedah Local Court on Tuesday 2 June 2026.
- About 8.20pm on Thursday 30 April 2026, police were called to a home on Manilla Road, Oxleyvale, following reports of an assault. Police were told a 48-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by two men known to him before they left and damaged a vehicle parked in the front yard.
The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Tamworth Hospital for treatment of facial injuries.
Following inquiries, about 9pm on Friday 1 May 2026, a 40-year-old man was arrested at Tamworth Police Station.
He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company, armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, and destroy or damage property less than $2000.
He was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 5 on Saturday 2 May 2026, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Tamworth Local Court on Monday 11 May 2026.
Inquirires into the incident are continuing.
