Two people have been charged following investigations into an alleged string of thefts across the Tamworth area earlier this month.
In 2018, officers from Oxley Target Action Group formed Operation Southbreak to investigate thefts across the Tamworth region.
As part of their investigations, officers commenced inquiries into reports a man and woman were stealing handbags and other personal property from shopping malls, carparks and motels across Tamworth between Friday 3 January and Friday 10 January 2020.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators arrested a 27-year-old man at a home in Quinn Street, Tamworth, about 6.15am on Friday (10 January 2020).
He was taken to Tamworth Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of larceny, three counts of receive/dispose stolen property, and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.
The man was refused bail and appeared at Tamworth Local Court on Friday 10 January 2020, where he was granted conditional bail to appear before the same court on Monday 20 January 2020.
Following further inquiries, a 26-year-old woman was arrested following a vehicle stop on Peel Street, Tamworth, about 4.30pm on Monday (13 January 2020).
During a search of the vehicle, police seized several handbags, a car key and $9,500 in cash.
She was taken to Tamworth Police Station, where she was charged with 13 offences, including:
- goods in personal custody suspected being stolen,
- receive/dispose stolen property,
- two counts of dishonestly obtain property by deception,
- two counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage,
- larceny,
- four counts of possess prohibited drug, and
- two counts of deal with property proceeds of crime.
The woman was refused bail and appeared at Tamworth Local Court yesterday (Tuesday 14 January 2020), where she was refused bail to appear before the same court on Monday 20 January 2020.
Investigations under Operation Southbreak continue.
