A crime spree that spanned from Newcastle to Kempsey, which included attempted armed robbery, resulted in four teens being arrested.
On Sunday 1 October, police from the Newcastle, Manning-Great Lakes, Mid-North Coast and Coffs/Clarence districts began investigating several incidents they believed were linked.
Earlier that day, a group of boys, aged between 12 and 17, obtained a sedan, which officers believe was stolen, from a Broadmeadow home.
About 7pm the same day, the vehicle was involved in an alleged attempted armed robbery at a rest stop on the Pacific Highway at Ferodale near Raymond Terrace.
Police were told an 18-year-old man was approached by four youths who allegedly tried to enter his car.
They threatened him with a screwdriver.
But, thankfully, he was able to drive from the scene.
About 9.15pm, an SUV was allegedly stolen by the boys when a home on Crawford Street, Buladelah, was broken into.
Police will allege in court the group then attempted to break into a motel in Taree, before breaking into a home on Pitt Street, Taree, but left empty-handed.
About 10pm, officers were called to Macquarie Street, Coopernook, following reports of an attempted break and enter.
Police were told a quartet of young people had tried to gain access to the home before being challenged by a resident.
It’s understood the occupant was threatened before another vehicle was rammed.
About 10.50pm, the SUV was damaged after allegedly ramming another vehicle near Kempsey, and the group moved to the sedan and drove away.
The driver of the rammed vehicle, a 35-year-old woman, was shaken but not injured.
She attended a service station nearby where she contacted police.
The sedan then travelled to Briggenshaw Road, Valery, where the group broke into a house.
A short time later, with the assistance of POLAIR and the Dog Unit, four boys were arrested in nearby bushland and taken to Kempsey Police Station.
A 17-year-old boy was charged with three counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company intend steal, two counts of predatory driving, aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, aggravated assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle in company, robbery in company, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, destroy or damage property, and drive motor vehicle menaces another with intent.
He was refused bail to appear before a children’s court.
The other 17-year-old was charged with three counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company intend steal, two counts of destroy or damage property, aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, aggravated assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle in company, robbery in company, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, passenger not disclose driver’s/other passenger’s identity, and drive motor vehicle menaces another with intent.
A 15-year-old has been charged with three counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company intend steal, two counts of armed with intent commit indictable offence, aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, robbery in company, destroy or damage property, passenger not disclose driver’s/other passenger’s identity, aggravated assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle in company, and be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
The 12-year-old boy has been charged with three counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company intend steal, two counts of armed with intent commit indictable offence, aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, aggravated assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle in company, robbery in company, common assault, destroy or damage property, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, carry cutting weapon upon apprehension, and dishonestly obtain property by deception.
The three have been refused bail to appear before a children’s court on Wednesday 4 October.
For more news stories:
- Man threatened with knife during home invasion at Broadmeadow
- Number of drownings prompt water experts’ timely reminder
- New playground more reason to visit popular lake suburb
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