PLEASE NOTE: A CCTV footage of vehicles are available via hightail link: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/1QKXeFixmR
Two teenagers had been charged following number of armed robberies and vehicle thefts across the state's north-west at the weekend.
Officers attached to New England Police District, assisted by Oxley Police District, initiated inquiries after a white 2024-model Ford Everest was stolen from a motel on Amaroo Drive, Moree, about 2.20am on Saturday (17 August 2024).
A short time later, a pursuit was initiated when the vehicle was sighted on the Gwydir Highway, Moree, and the driver failed to stop when directed. It was terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.
About 11pm the same day, the Ford SUV and a 2021-model silver Mazda CX-30 – believed to be stolen from Queensland – were sighted in Boggabilla, travelling north to Goondiwindi, Queensland.
Road spikes were deployed on the Newell Highway; however, failed to stop the vehicles.
Following initial inquiries, police established both SUVs and a 2017-model black Ford Mustang sedan were involved in a number of break-ins in Goondiwindi and dangerous driving incidents in the Boggabilla area, earlier in the day. The sedan was found burnt out on Yeoman Street, Boggabilla, about 6.20am.
Just after 12.05am Sunday (18 August 2024), officers attached to New England Police District were called to a motel on Boggabilla Road, Moree, following reports of two men had forced their way into a room and threatened the occupants before stealing a 2010-model silver Audi Q5.
Police were told the men left in the Audi and the Ford SUV matching the description of the vehicle stolen the previous day.
Officers attached Oxley Police District were called to a service station on Newell Highway, Bellata, about 1.20am, after four people forced their way inside, stealing food and drinks. They left in the three stolen SUVs before police arrived.
A short time later, the Ford and Audi were stopped on Newell Highway after road spikes were successfully deployed, with all occupants running from the scene. The Mazda was located abandoned on Grace Street, Moree, about 1:55am.
All vehicles have been seized for forensic examination.
Further inquiries alleged they may be travelling in a black Porsche SUV, which was reported stole in Newcastle area on Saturday (17 August 2024).
Following inquiries, about 11am on Monday (19 August 2024), officers attached to Oxley Police District arrested a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man at an address in South Tamworth.
About 12.00am on Monday (19 August 2024), that Porsche SUV was located on Cossa Street, West Tamworth before a 17-year-old was arrested nearby.
They were taken to Tamworth Police Station where the 16-year-old boy was charged with aggravated Break and Enter commit serious indictable offence-armed, robbery armed with offensive weapon, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and commit s154A offence & disseminate.
He was refused bail to appear at Children's Court on tomorrow (Tuesday 20 August 2024).
The 18-year-old man and the 17-year-old boy was charge with unrelated offences.
The 18-year-old man was refused bail to appear at Coonamble Local Court tomorrow (20 August 2024).
The 17-year-old boy appeared at Children's Court today (Monday 19 August 2024).
As inquiries continue, police are appealing for public assistance to identify other males they believe can assist police with their inquiries.
When last seen, they were all wearing black/grey hooded jumpers and/or puffer vests, black or grey pants and sneakers.
As inquiries continue, anyone with information about any of these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Inquiries under Operation Regional Mongoose continue.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
