Police targeting property crime in the Port Macquarie area made numerous arrests last week and seized property items suspected of being stolen.
Officers attached to Mid-North Coast Local Area Command executed a number of search warrants throughout Port Macquarie last Wednesday.
Numerous personal items matching those reported stolen from motor vehicles and residences were allegedly seized by police during the raids.
The charges include:
• A 20-year-old Port Macquarie man was charged with stealing from a dwelling and receiving stolen property. He was granted bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on March 7.
• An 18-year-old Port Macquarie man was charged with a number of counts of steal from motor vehicle, steal motor vehicle and steal from dwelling. He was granted bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on March 7.
• Two youths, aged 16, from Port Macquarie were charged with goods in custody. They were granted bail to appear at Port Macquarie Children’s Court on March 4.
• A 20-year-old Port Macquarie man was spoken to by police regarding a number of alleged break and enters and thefts from motor vehicles. He has been released pending further enquiries.
Acting Superintendent Shane Cribb, Mid-North Coast’s acting Local Area Commander, said he was pleased with the results achieved by his officers, and was anticipating further arrests to come.
“This is an excellent result for police within the command who have put in a considerable amount of effort to identify and apprehend individuals allegedly involved in property crime,” Acting Supt Cribb said.
“I commend their ongoing efforts which will contribute to a reduction in property-related crime in the local area.”
However, A/Supt Cribb said property owners also needed to do their part to reduce property crime.
“What is disappointing is the amount of property recovered that came from unlocked vehicles, houses that were not locked up and further incidents that were not reported to the Police,” he said.
“People can assist Police by not leaving their valuables on display within unlocked vehicles and to ensure their premises are locked and secure when they are unattended. We should make it as hard as possible for thieves.”
