Police had been investigating a break-in and stealing at a Howard St home on October 4, and made a breakthrough on Saturday, arresting a 14-year-old who was stopped in Girle St, Inverell.

He was was taken to Inverell Police Station and charged with aggravated break, enter and steal in company and stealing from a dwelling.

He was refused bail to front a children’s court.

“He is the second young person to be charged with breaking into these premises along with a 13-year-old Inverell male charged back on the 20^th of October,” New England Chief Inspector Rowan O’Brien said.

“The 13-year-old male will appear before Inverell Children’s Court for sentence.”

 The arrest comes after a spike in break-ins were reported across the Inverell township.

Chief Inspector O’Brien said two 13-year-old local boys had been charged with property offences but other incidents had been reported.

“Easily disposed of items such as cash, jewellery, game consoles and mobile phones are being targeted by criminals,” he said.

“To the devastation of victims, much of the jewellery stolen has been irreplaceable items such as deceased relatives’ engagement rings, watches etc.

“The tragedy about this is that you know the thief has very little empathy towards the personal toll on the victims and also no appreciation of the monetary value of the item as more often than not it is simply being swapped for a small amount of drugs.”

Chief Inspector O’Brien said despite the thefts, an amount of jewellery had been found.

“The good news is over the past few months, Inverell police have recovered quite a few items of jewellery they wish to reunite with owners,” he said.

“A booklet containing photographs of recovered jewellery has been compiled and we would encourage recent victims of break-and-enters to attend Inverell Police Station in an attempt to identify owners.”

Police have issued a warning for residents to secure their homes and cars and don’t leave things open in the hot weather.

“Police are also advising home owners to be more vigilant with personal security. Despite the hot weather, we encourage residents to ensure windows and doors are locked and fly screens secured,” Chief Inspector O’Brien said.

“Police are requesting assistance from the community in remaining vigilant throughout the day and night and report to either 000 or Inverell Police Station on 6722 0599 any suspicious activity such as persons appearing to be watching premises and loitering in laneways etc.”