Police have charged two men following an investigation into the theft and arson of vehicles in the state's Central West.
In June 2019, officers attached to Central West Police District formed Strike Force Filshie to investigate a spate of vehicles being stolen and destroyed by fire in Orange and Dubbo.
Yesterday (Wednesday 24 July 2019), police charged two men from Orange, aged 26 and 21, with multiple offences allegedly to have occurred between March and April 2019.
Police allege the 26-year-old man was involved in the theft of a Holden utility from Macquarie Street, Dubbo on Friday 19 April 2019. The vehicle was found destroyed by fire in Eurawillah Street, Orange on Friday 26 April 2019.
It is alleged the 21-year-old man was involved in the stealing of a Toyota sedan from Leumeah Road, Orange on Friday 1 March 2019. The vehicle was found destroyed by fire on Kurim Avenue, Orange on Tuesday 5 March 2019.
The older man was charged with steal motor vehicle and damage property by fire.
He remains in custody on unrelated matters and will appear before Orange Local Court on Monday 19 August 2019.
The 21-year-old man was charged with steal motor vehicle, and break enter and commit serious indictable offence in circumstances of aggravation.
He too remains in custody on unrelated matters and will appear before Orange Local Court on Monday 9 September 2019.
"We are encouraged by the arrest and charge of these males allegedly involved in arsons in the Orange area," Central West Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Bruce Grassick said.
"Fire damage of stolen vehicles has been reduced to zero within the last few weeks which can be directly attributed to effective policing strategies.
"The Strike Force investigations will continue into the car fires, as well as the Lucknow fire and council building fire with several lines of inquiry remaining open."
