Joondalup Detectives with the assistance of the Rapid Apprehension Squad, Police Air Wing and Canine Section have charged two men with a number of serious offences following an extensive investigation into a series of linked motor vehicle theft incidents.
It will be alleged; sometime between 15 August and 2 September 2025, several vehicles were stolen from properties across Perth's northern suburbs.
About 11.05am on Thursday 4 September 2025, officers onboard the Police Air Wing helicopter identified one of the stolen vehicles, a white Toyota Hilux Utility, with false registration plates fitted, driving along Pinjar Road in Banksia Grove.
Officers on the ground were directed by air crew towards the Hilux's location on Lenore Road in Tapping.
Upon activation of emergency lights and sirens, it will be alleged, the driver failed to stop and accelerated away from police at high speed, breached a red traffic light, and began overtaking several cars dangerously.
The evade was immediately terminated due to public safety concerns and the Police Airwing continued tracking the vehicle as it entered the Gnangara Pine Plantation.
The Hilux drove through several dirt tracks and deep into surrounding bushland, crashing into small trees where it eventually became stuck and boxed in by a Canine Section vehicle.
The 36-year-old Yanchep man has been charged with:
- 1 x Steal Motor Vehicle and Drive Recklessly
- 1 x Reckless driving to escape pursuit by police
- 1 x Driver of a vehicle failed to comply with a direction to stop (circumstance of aggravation)
- 1 x No authority to drive - suspended (other than fines suspension)
- 1 x Drove, caused or permitted a vehicle with a forged, replica or false plate to be driven on a road
- 1 x Possessed certain substances or things
- 2 x Stealing
He has been remanded in custody and is next due to appear in Joondalup Magistrates Court on 15 September 2025.
About 1.30pm on Thursday 4 September 2025, police identified a stolen blue Ford Ranger Utility parked in the forecourt of a service station on Neaves Road in Bullsbrook. Police will allege that the stolen Ford was associated with the Hilux that had been involved in the earlier evade incident with police.
Officers located the driver of the Ford inside the toilets of the service station where he was arrested and taken into custody without incident.
As a result of inquiries, the 34-year-old Gnangara man has been charged with:
- 4 x Stealing Motor Vehicle
- 2 x Stealing
- 1 x Drove, caused or permitted a vehicle with a forged, replica or false plate to be driven on a road
- 1 x No authority to drive - suspended (other than fines suspension)
He has been remanded in custody and is next due to appear in Joondalup Magistrates Court on 19 September 2025.
Anyone who witnessed either incident with dash camera footage of CCTV vision is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au
Police Media Unit
8 September 2025
MEDIA REF: 25669
/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.
