Police have made four arrests as part of Operation Regional Mongoose. Photo: File.
Illawarra police have arrested four people as part of high-visibility Operation Regional Mongoose.
The operation, established this month, tackles serious property-related crime committed mostly by young offenders across the Wollongong and Lake Illawarra police districts with help from the Region Enforcement Squad.
Two teens were arrested at a Warilla address on Thursday (20 June) following inquiries.
A boy and girl, both aged 16, were arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station, where the boy was charged with driving a conveyance taken without consent of the owner, dishonestly obtaining property by deception, driving while unlicensed and breach of bail.
The girl was charged with being carried in conveyance taken without consent of the owner, dishonestly obtaining property by deception and breach of bail.
Police will allege the pair were involved in the break in and theft of cars from Avenue, Kiama Downs, a car in Tallawong in Sydney and allegedly failed to pay for fuel in Blaxland Road Campbelltown, earlier this month.
Shortly before 2 am on Saturday (15 June), officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District executed a search warrant in Mummuga Close, Flinders.
A NSW Police spokesperson said officers allegedly seized an air rifle, ammunition, fireworks, explosives and cannabis.
“Police also seized a motorcycle, credit cards and keys, all alleged to be stolen,” the spokesperson said.
“A 19-year-old man was arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.
“He was charged with four counts of goods suspected stolen on premises, possessing an unregistered firearm, not keeping a firearm safely, possessing a prohibited drug, possessing ammunition without holding a licence and handling an explosive without authorising.
“He was granted conditional bail to appear in Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday 24 July.”
At about 9 am on Wednesday (13 June), officers executed a search warrant at a home on Kyeema Avenue, Koonawarra.
The NSW Police spokesperson said officers seized a sawn-off shotgun, ammunition and two cars alleged to be stolen.
A 23-year-old man was arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.
He was charged with two counts of driving conveyance taken without consent of the owner, dishonestly obtaining property by deception, driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period, possessing a shortened firearm without authority, not keeping a firearm safely and possessing ammunition without holding a license.
He appeared before Wollongong Local Court on Friday (14 June) and was refused bail to appear at the same court on Tuesday 23 July.
As investigations continue, Lake Illawarra Police District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Brad Ainsworth said people must take care to ensure they don’t become the target of opportunistic thieves.
“We’re urging the public to take measures to ensure you don’t become an easy target,” he said.
“Please lock your cars, don’t leave valuables in plain sight, never leave house keys or garage remotes in your car to allow access to your home.
“If your car is parked outside, make sure you leave it in a well-lit area where possible.”
Anyone with information about Operation Regional Mongoose is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.
Loading ...
