Police have charged 15 people with property-related offences as part of a crackdown on drug and property crime in the state’s Northern Tablelands.
Between Thursday 1 October 2020 and last Friday (9 October 2020), detectives and general duties officers attached to New England Police District, assisted by the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Proactive Crime Team, commenced a high-visibility operation in Armidale to disrupt traffic, drug and property offenders in the area.
During the nine-day operation, police recorded:
- 28 thefts or attempts from vehicles;
- Eight break-ins;
- Three stolen motor vehicles; and
- Three stolen motorcycles.
The stolen vehicles have since been recovered, with one destroyed by fire; however, officers continue to search for a stolen orange 2011 KTM motorcycle.
During the same period, police charged 15 people with 20 offences.
A 29-year-old man remains bail refused after he was charged with an aggravated break and enter at a Beardy Street home on Monday 28 September 2020. The man will next appear at Armidale Local Court on Wednesday 9 December 2020.
New England Police District Commander, Superintendent Steve Laksa, said the allocation of resources has been in response to a recent spike in crime in Armidale.
“Since the operation, we have only recorded two break-ins and an attempted steal from motor vehicle which indicates a significant decrease on the previous weekend,” Supt Laksa said.
“This is by no means a reason for us to relax our focus on property crime and we will continue to urge residents to be conscious of the security of their homes and vehicles, and take basic steps to ensure they are less likely to become a victim.
“Be aware of what’s going in your neighbourhood, if something or someone looks out of place or suspicious please call your local police immediately.”
Supt Laksa reminds residents that Armidale police are available 24 hours a day and to report incidents of crime or suspicious activity in your area promptly.
“Police welcome any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, if you have seen or heard suspicious activities or know of the persons involved please come forward now,” Supt Laksa said.
Similar operations will continue throughout the area over the coming months.
Anyone with information regarding suspected criminal activity should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: . Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
