Four teenagers arrested and charged following spate of alleged property offences

Four teenagers have been arrested and charged following a spate of alleged property offences across Wagga.

Riverina Police District Crime Manager Detective Chief Inspector Winston Woodward said Strikeforce Olwen was assembled to track and monitor four youths who were identified as suspects.

He said as a result of the police inquiry, four search warrants were issued on Tuesday (2 August) for one 14-year-old, two 15-year-olds and one 16-year-old.

“As a result of the search warrants, some property and a number of exhibits were recovered,” Insp Woodward said.

Police alleged the four youths were linked to a number of offences relating to stolen motor vehicles, property and fraud.

A 15-year-old has been charged with 10 offences and will appear before a children’s court, while a 14-year-old was charged with four offences.

The remaining two offenders were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

Insp Woodward said the police had done an excellent job identifying the four young people and that he hoped resources would be used to help the teenagers abandon the criminal trajectory.

“We can turn these young people’s lives around before they commit more offences or decide to think about committing offences,” he said.

“We don’t like to lock up juveniles, but when serious offences are committed, sometimes we must put these youth before the court.

“I’d like to see more prevention and education.”

Despite the spate of break and enters and stolen vehicles in July, Insp Woodward said property crimes in Wagga have dropped compared to a couple of years ago.

“The police in the Riverina district have done an excellent job,” he said.

“They’re out and about, down your streets at two o’clock in the morning when you wouldn’t think they were there.”

Regardless, Insp Woodward advised residents of Wagga and surrounding suburbs to lock all their doors, garages and cars and take valuables out of vehicles.

“Lock the garage door that leads from the garage to the house,” he said.

“It is surprising how many people leave their cars unlocked and go to bed at night.”

Insp Woodward said in some cases people have woken up to a burglary in action in their home.

“There have been incidents where car keys have been stolen and perpetrators we can allege have come back and stolen a car,” he said.

“It is most important if your car keys are lost or stolen, you take steps to have those keys replaced.

“I know it’s expensive to replace locks, but it’s the only way we can ensure you are safe in your home.”