Two men and a woman have been arrested after dumping an alleged stolen vehicle in bushland early this morning - unaware they were being watched from above by PolAir.
About 10pm (Wednesday 22 April 2020), a confirmed stolen BMW was seen in Werowi Street, Dapto by officers from Lake Illawarra Police District. The vehicle sped away from officers who lost sight of the car.
About an hour later, the BMW was involved in a fail to pay for fuel at a local service station in Bulli. Police sighted the vehicle travelling at speed up Bulli Pass heading north. Officers from Wollongong Police District engaged in a pursuit, however, due to the BMW's erratic driving and speed, the pursuit was terminated.
Assistance was sought from the Police Airwing who engaged the vehicle from the air, following it northbound on the Princes Highway to Waterfall where it crossed the grass median strip and started heading south.
Police on the ground monitored the stolen vehicles movements - that were being closely watched from PolAir - and when it eventually came to a stop about 45 minutes later in bushland at the end of Warwick Street, Berkeley, the driver and two passengers ran from the car.
Officers from Wollongong and Lake Illawarra Police District, Southern Region Enforcement Squad and the Dog Unit attended the area and established a perimeter.
The trio split up, however, again with the assistance of PolAir, the 28-year-old driver was found hiding in bushland, a 29-year-old male passenger was found hiding in the backyard of a home and the 23-year-old woman was arrested walking along a nearby street.
All three were arrested just before midnight and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.
The 28-year-old man was charged with breach of bail, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, possess prohibited drug, drive recklessly/furiously and drive motor vehicle during disqualified period.
The 29-year-old man was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, possess prohibited drug (x2) and enter inclosed land not prescribed without lawful excuse.
The 23-year-old woman was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence – people there and breach of bail.
The trio were refused bail and are all due to face Wollongong Local Court today (Thursday 23 April 2020).
Wollongong Police District Commander, Superintendent Evan Quarmby praised the efforts of all police involved.
"The arrests are the culmination of great police work by multiple commands and specialist units working together," Supt Quarmby said.
"We will continue to work together to target crime in all its forms."
