A woman and a man will face court following an investigation into multiple break-ins in the state's central west.
In December 2023, officers attached to The Rural Crime Prevention Team (RCPT) and Orana Mid-Western Police District established Strike Uji, to investigate rural break-ins in the Running Stream and Aarons Pass area.
Police were told a large amount of property, firearms, cash and a Hyundai I30 were allegedly stolen. One home was destroyed by fire.
Following inquiries, just after 1030am on Wednesday (17 January 2024), officers attempted to stop a Holden Commodore at the intersection of Lue and Rocky Waterhole Road, Rylstone, after checks reveal the car was stolen.
When it failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit was terminated after losing sight in Mudgee.
About 11.45am, police located the Commodore at Madiera Road, Mudgee, and arrested a man and woman.
A 36-year-old woman was charged with two counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal, aggravated enter dwelling with intent in company-steal, enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, steal firearm or imitation firearm, damage property by fire/exp, steal vessel, and take and drive conveyance without consent of owner.
The man from Blacktown – aged 26 – was charged with aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal and take and drive conveyance without consent of owner.
He appeared at Lithgow Local court on Thursday (18 January 2024), where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Thursday 1 February 2024.
The woman from Cranebrook was refused bail to appear at Lithgow Local Court on Friday (19 January 2024), where she was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Thursday 1 February 2024.
Inquiries under Strike Force Uji are continuing.
