Two boys have been charged following a break and enter in the State's Hunter region under Operation Soteria.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District responded to reports of a break and enter about 4.30am last Sunday (1 February 2026), at a store in Kelly Street, Scone.
Police were told two boys had used rocks to smash the front window of the store and allegedly steal several knives and clothing.
They left the scene in a white Kia Cerato which was allegedly stolen from Mitchell St, Muswellbrook about 3am on the same day. The vehicle was later found burnt out in Ironbark Rd, Muswellbrook.
Following inquiries, about 9:45am yesterday (Thursday 5 February 2026), police arrested two boys, aged 12 and 13. They were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.
The 12-year-old boy was charged with:
- Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner
- Face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence
- Aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence
- Goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen
- Commit 154a offence and disseminate
- Breach of bail
The 13-year-old was charged with:
- Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner
- Face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence
- Aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence
- Breach of bail
Both boys were refused bail and appeared before a children's court yesterday (Thursday 5 January 2026).
Investigations under Operation Soteria continue.
Operation Soteria is a strategic initiative focusing on aggravated break, enter and steal offences, stealing motor vehicles, and 'post and boast' offences where social media is used to gain notoriety.
