Tamworth Target Action Group officers swooped on the three boys, aged 17 and 18, in a co-ordinated operation on Wednesday night and early yesterday morning.

The arrests come after a safe stolen from an Arunta Pl house was discovered during a search of a West Tamworth home.

“It was alleged that a number of persons broke into that home and stole a safe and other items and then stole the victim’s motor vehicle,” Oxley crime manager Inspector Phil O’Reilly said.

“The motor vehicle was later recovered in Northview St in West Tamworth.”

The car was towed for forensic examination and since then police have poured resources into the hunt for those responsible.

“There was a significant amount of investigative work that resulted in these arrests and I commend the officers from the Target Action Group in getting this result,” Inspector O’Reilly said.

Two 17-year-old boys have been charged with aggravated break, enter and steal and unlawful use of a conveyance.

Both boys fronted Tamworth Children’s Court yesterday where they were refused bail by Magistrate Roger Prowse to appear in court at a later date.

An 18-year-old co-accused was granted conditional bail to front court at a later date.

Meanwhile Tamworth Target Action Group officers have also charged a man with breaking into a local cricket clubhouse.

The 18-year-old allegedly forced his way into the Tamworth District Cricket Clubhouse on January 19 and stole about $1500 worth of property, including food and drinks.

The charges arose after forensic evidence was found at the scene allegedly linking the teenager to the break-in.