Barwon Local Area Command (LAC) crime manager Detective Inspector Gavin Rattenbury, described it as “a good arrest” for local police after a focus on property offences in the area since the start of the year.

Officers had used numerous strategies, both overt and covert measures, he said, as well as using resources from

outside the Barwon LAC in an effort to arrest and remove property offenders. 

“With assistance from locals further arrests are expected,” he told The Leader.

Last week, the boy was arrested without incident at Boggabilla Police Station where he was charged with a pursuit through the town on the evening of March 9; trespassing at a Boggabilla school; possession of house-breaking implements; and possession of stolen property.

Additional charges relating to trespassing, malicious damage, aggravated break-and-enter, vehicle theft and traffic offences have since been added.

Detective Inspector Rattenbury said the charges related to offences committed around Boggabilla last month. 

The 17-year-old will appear at Boggabilla Children’s Court on Wednesday. 

Anyone with information regarding suspected criminal activity is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page at: www1.police.nsw.gov.au/ 

Information will be treated in the strictest of confidence. 

Detective Inspector Rattenbury reminded the public not to report crime information via the LAC’s Facebook and Twitter pages.