POLICE say an eye witness who rang to report suspicious activity has culminated in the arrests of three teens accused of breaking into cars at an airport.
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About 11.40pm on Thursday, police were alerted to a suspicious vehicle with three teenagers inside at the Armidale Airport.
“Officers attended shortly after and discovered a number of windows of vehicles nearby had been smashed and property removed from those vehicles,” New England Acting Inspector Matt Crotty told The Leader.
“While police were at the scene conducting inquiries, they established a 17-year-old had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
“He subsequently tried to flee and after a short foot pursuit was apprehended by police.
“Police then recovered a number of items alleged to have been stolen from vehicles parked at the airport.”
Officers said four cars had windows smashed to obtain goods.
The 17-year-old is facing charges of malicious damage and assault and resist police as well as four counts of stealing.
A 16-year-old and a 19-year-old were each charged with four counts of stealing and one of damaging property to front court at a later date.
“This is an example of a diligent member of the public alerting police who were able to apprehend these offenders,” Acting Inspector Crotty said.
“This is why we encourage community members to report suspicious activity or anything that looks out of place.
“We have seen an increased rate of property offences including break-and-enters and stealings from cars occurring and police are giving it high priority, and this is where the community can assist us to stop this type of crime.
”We would urge residents to be especially vigilant in the school holiday period and over the Christmas and New Year breaks and secure their homes, cars and valuables.”
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
