Police from the Target Action Group and general duties made a breakthrough in the investigation into several stealings from cars as well as a motorbike and car theft when they spotted a teenager in Cookes Rd during a patrol on Thursday afternoon.

New England Acting Inspector Matt Crotty told Fairfax Media police had been deployed to target those persons suspected of being involved in property crime when a 14-year-old was allegedly seen riding a stolen motorbike.

“Officers observed a young person riding a stolen blue Yamaha motorbike about 2.20pm but the teenager left the area,” he said.

“A short time later the young person was seen running into bushland behind Galloway St. Officers have chase and he was arrested.

“Investigations led police to the stolen motorbike which was hidden in bushland nearby.”

Checks revealed the motorbike had been stolen from a trailer parked at a Dangar St motel in the early hours of Thursday.

Around the same time, a Subaru parked with the trailer was broken into as well as a Kia Carnival which was parked around the corner in Mann St.

“Between 11pm on Wednesday and 2.30am on Thursday, a Hyundai Excel was stolen from a Niagara St premises and that vehicle was driven and abandoned in Glass St,” Acting Inspector Crotty said.

“The 14-year-old was questioned by police, and following investigations, a 15-year-old and a second 14-year-old were identified.”

The trio were arrested and will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act after allegedly making admissions.

“Police managed to recover all stolen items and vehicles and returned them to their owners,” Acting Inspector Crotty said.

”In recent weeks Armidale has been experiencing an increase in property crime and the fact that we have targeted persons of interest and tracked down those responsible for some of the property crime shows we take these matters seriously.

”We are aware the community is tiring of property crime and the hardship faced by victims but we are committed to stopping the criminal element behind this offending.

“We want everyone to have a safe and Merry Christmas and we are working tirelessly through the holidays with extra patrols to minimise the risk of community members falling victim to property crime.”

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