The Tamworth Target Action Group (TAG) and uniformed officers set-up Operation Southbreak to zero-in on those behind a spate of break-and-enters and thefts from cars, especially in the past six weeks.

Oxley Acting Inspector Geoff Sharpe said the joint operation had seen 12 people charged, including several teenagers.

“Over the seven-day operation, 12 persons including a number of juveniles were arrested and charged with property-related offences as well as drug offences and outstanding warrants and also persons charged with breaching their bail,” he told The Leader.

“The operation has had an impact on the number of reports in recent days which is a good thing but we won’t be easing the pressure.

“We are continuing to focus on areas that have been hot spots based on police intelligence and will continue patrols and proactive operations.”

Several of those charged have been refused bail on a string of offences.

Acting Inspector Sharpe said the operation saw extra resources deployed onto the streets including undercover police, uniformed patrols and officers on bikes.

“Operation Southbreak was made possible using funding from Operation Vikings, allowing more police to carry out proactive taskings,” he said.

“There has been a reduced number of reports in break-and-enters but police need that community information on suspicious behaviour, like when we have seen groups of people creeping around the streets and kids on bikes causing grief and committing offences.

“We have seen groups of juveniles being driven around in cars during the course of the operation, so if members of the public can report suspicious behaviour of these groups, or even those persons wearing hooded jumpers or winter clothing like we have seen on particularly hot days. 

“That sort of suspicious behaviour needs to be reported so police can task officers and have a presence to deter any would-be offenders.”