Wagga police have charged three people during Operation Regional Mongoose. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Riverina Police District has charged a man and two teenagers following an alleged break-and-enter crime spree in a stolen vehicle in Wagga in December.
The three accused have been charged with property-related offences under Operation Regional Mongoose.
Operation Regional Mongoose is a high-visibility police operation set up to tackle serious property-related crimes committed predominately by young offenders.
Officers attached to Riverina Police District were called to a house on Kentucky Place, Gobbagombalin, following reports of an alleged break-and-enter at about 3:45 am on 12 December 2023.
Police allege three males entered the home and stole a backpack and car keys, before taking a Subaru Liberty from the street. Police also allege the vehicle was used to commit multiple break-and-enters in North Wagga Wagga, Lake Albert, Ashmont and San Isidore.
Police arrested a 26-year-old man at a home in Ashmont around 11 pm on Wednesday 21 February. He was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and charged with 19 offences, including seven counts of aggravated break and enter, 12 counts of entering a land with intent to steal and one count of carried in conveyance.
Police attended a home in Ashmont, arresting a 15-year-old boy at about 7 am on Friday 1 March. He was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and charged with 20 offences, including seven counts of aggravated break and enter, 12 counts of entering a land with intent to steal and one count of carried in conveyance and breach of bail.
Both remain before the courts.
On Tuesday (12 March), police attended a juvenile justice centre in Turvey Park and arrested a 16-year-old boy and charged him with 21 property offences, including seven counts of aggravated break and enter, 12 counts of entering a land with intent to steal and one count of carried in conveyance and driving a vehicle without a licence.
He was refused bail to appear in a children’s court on 19 March.
Riverina Police District Detective Inspector Jill Gibson has worked with several community groups this year, including Meals on Wheels, to distribute safety pamphlets, with further tips for residents on how to best protect their homes and possessions.
“A few simple steps can protect your home, your property and yourself, so we encourage all homeowners to be proactive,” Insp Gibson said.
“Our homes should be a place where you and your family can enjoy safety and security. Criminals are opportunists and will target homes with poor home security.
“If you do need to leave windows open to get fresh air, buy a piece of dowel for the windowsill to stop opportunistic thieves from entering via an unlocked window.”
Top security tips for residents include:
- Lock all windows, doors, garages, and sheds
- Install sensor lights or home security systems where possible – and make sure they are turned on
- Don’t hide spare keys in well known locations such as under the front door mat
- Don’t leave belongings in clear sight if you’re not home.
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