Two teenaged boys and a man have been charged after alleged armed robberies and a carjacking on the North Coast.
Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District have been investigating an alleged carjacking about 7.15am on Sunday 12 January 2025, at Solitude Lance, Seelands, where a 65-year-old man was threatened with a knife and assaulted before being dragged from his coupe.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man at the scene before he was taken to hospital for injuries to his face and arms.
The coupe was found about 20km away crashed on Clarence Way, Upper Copmanhurst, later that day. A crime scene was established and an investigation commenced.
The second incident occurred about 3pm yesterday (Saturday 1 February 2025), when a 65-year-old man reported his hatchback had been stolen from a shopping centre the corner of King Street and Pound Street, Grafton.
The hatchback was found a short time later with its windows smashed in Bimble Avenue, South Grafton. Police were told three people were seen running away.
Coffs/Clarence Police District officers supported by the Traffic and HWP Command – were patrolling the area when three people were seen on Silverton Street. They were chased through the rear yards of Bimble Avenue, with two 15-year-old boys and a 18-year-old man arrested shortly after.
All three were taken to Grafton Police Station. A 'sai' style weapon was seized from the scene and taken for further examination.
The 18-year-old boy was charged with five offences:
- Break and enter house etc steal value less than or equal to $60,000 (two counts)
- Be carried in conveyance taken with out consent of owner (two counts)
- Break and enter house etc steal value less than or equal to $60,000
One 15-year-old boy was charged with three offences:
- Aggravated take/drive motor vehicle with person in/on it-in company and robbery armed with offensive weapon
- Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner
- Have custody of an offensive implement in a public place
The second 15-year-old boy was charged with be carried in conveyance taken with out consent of owner.
They were all refused bail to appear before Children's Court today (Sunday 2 February 2025).
The coupe and hatchback were recovered on the day of the alleged thefts, with an SUV and sedan believed to be stolen have also been recovered.
