Five men have been arrested and $70,000 of allegedly stolen property recovered in a major police operation in Sydney’s north-west, NSW Police say.
Police have been investigating numerous reports of aggravated break, enter and steal offences committed on homes within The Hills, Kuring Gai and Ryde Local Area Commands during the past few weeks.
Following inquiries, officers from the Kuring Gai and Ryde Local Area Commands executed two search warrants on units within an apartment block in Pennant Hills yesterday.
There police arrested five men, all believed to be Irish Nationals, and took them to Hornsby Police Station.
Property alleged to be stolen, valued at more than $70,000, has also been recovered. This includes luxury-brand watches and designer jewellery, as well as vehicles and balaclavas allegedly used by the men.
Three men aged 19, one aged 21 and one aged 22, were all refused bail and will appear in Hornsby Local Court today.
Details of the charges are:
A 19-year-old man has been charged with six offences:
• Aggravated break and enter with intent – in company
• Participate criminal group/contribute criminal activity
• Possess housebreaking implements
• Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence (two counts)
• Goods suspected stolen in/on premises.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with five offences:
• Aggravated break and enter with intent – in company
• Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence (two counts)
• Participate criminal group/contribute criminal activity
• Goods suspected stolen in/on premises.
A second 19-year-old has been charged with three offences:
• Possess housebreaking implements
• Participate criminal group/contribute criminal activity
• Goods suspected stolen in/on premises.
A third 19-year-old man has been charged with five offences:
• Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence (two counts)
• Aggravated break and enter with intent – in company
• Participate criminal group/contribute criminal activity
• Goods suspected stolen in/on premises.
A 22-year-old man has been charged with five offences:
• Participate criminal group/contribute criminal activity
• Aggravated break and enter with intent – in company
• Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence – in company (two counts)
• Goods suspected stolen in/on premises.
Inquires are continuing.