A teenage boy has been charged over multiple alleged break and enters on the Central Coast as part of Operation Soteria.
Officers from Brisbane Water Police District commenced an investigation after receiving a report that four males were allegedly seen to enter the front yard of a home in Nelson Street, Umina Beach, about 11.40pm on Wednesday (20 August 2025). The males were challenged by an occupant, before they fled the scene.
About 15 minutes later, the males allegedly attempted to open the front door of a home on Nelson Street, Umina Beach. When access was unable to be gained, they left the location.
At 12.30am on Thursday (21 August 2025), it will be alleged the males broke into a home on Lagoon Street, Ettalong Beach, via a side access door. The 75-year-old female occupant of the home was approached by the males who allegedly demanded property. When the woman refused the males left the premises.
Five minutes later the males allegedly broken into a unit on Barrenjoey Road, Ettalong Beach, where a 69-year-old woman was threatened with a knife and the car keys of two vehicles were stolen. The males ran from the scene when another occupant in the home – a 77-year-old man – became aware of what was occurring.
During the incidents the males were wearing face coverings.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested a 15-year-old teenage boy at a home in Umina Beach.
He was taken to Gosford Police Station and charged with five offences:
- Enter building/land with intent commit indictable offence
- Face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence
- Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence – deprive liberty
- Two counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company intend steal less than $60,000
The teenager has been refused bail to appear at a children's court today (Friday 22 August 2025).
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
