West Wyalong Police Station. West Wyalong was one of two areas from which cars were stolen last week, prompting police to call for anyone with information to come forward. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
Police are appealing for public assistance as part of investigations into car thefts in Griffith and West Wyalong.
Western region officers this month began work under Operation Soteria, which was established to address an escalation of violence among young offenders across western and northern NSW.
Police were told that between 11 pm last Wednesday and 7 am on Thursday, unknown persons forced entry into a home in Erskine Road, Griffith, before stealing a white Kia Cerato hatchback and fleeing the scene.
At 6:35 am on Thursday, emergency services were called to the intersection of Ernie Hayes Memorial Drive and Lachlan Valley Way, Lake Cargelligo, following reports of a vehicle fire.
Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze, but the car was destroyed.
In a second incident, between 4:30 pm on Thursday and 7 am on Friday, a silver Toyota Prado was stolen from a home in Grenfell Street, West Wyalong.
Officers found the vehicle parked in Townsend Street, Lake Cargelligo, and seized it for forensic examination.
Following inquiries, police would like to speak with the owner/occupants of a black Suzuki Swift seen in the area at the time.
Police established multiple crime scenes and launched an investigation into the thefts.
There were no reports of injuries.
Police believe the two incidents are linked.
Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through the website. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
