Two more Illawarra teenagers have been arrested as part of Operation Regional Mongoose, which targets property-related crime in the region.
The high-visibility police operation began last month to investigate offenders across the Wollongong and Lake Illawarra Police Districts, with assistance from the Region Enforcement Squad.
Since the start of the operation there has been 10 arrests with 65 charges laid and two firearms seized.
A 16-year-old was arrested in Blacktown on Sunday 30 June in relation to alleged thefts in the Illawarra.
Police will allege she was involved in the theft of a Jeep Grand Cherokee station wagon in Bankbook Drive, Wongawilli and allegedly stole money from a vehicle in Omaroo Place, Horsley, earlier in June.
She was taken to Blacktown Police Station and charged with face blackened/disguised with intent to commit indictable offence, enter vehicle or boat without consent of owner, larceny value less than $2000 and take and drive conveyance without consent of owners.
She was granted conditional bail to appear before a Children’s Court on Tuesday (2 July).
A 16-year-old boy was arrested and charged with 14 offences following a police search of a Shellharbour home on Wednesday 26 June.
His charges include four counts of larceny, aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, three counts of take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, enter vehicle or boat without consent of owner, goods suspected stolen in/on premises (not motor vehicle) and possess prohibited drug. He was granted conditional bail to appear at a Children’s Court on Tuesday 9 July.
Lake Illawarra Police District Acting Commander Detective Chief Inspector Brad Ainsworth said residents should take precautions to ensure they don’t become the target of opportunistic thieves.
“Don’t become an easy target; please lock your cars, don’t leave valuables in plain sight, never leave house keys or garage remotes in your car to allow access into your home. If your car is parked outside, make sure you leave it in a well-lit area where possible,” he said.
Investigations as part of Operation Regional Mongoose continue, with more arrests expected.
Anyone with information about Operation Regional Mongoose is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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