Operation Soteria officers have charged a teen after he allegedly broke into a motel with a machete, stole a car and fled from police in a pursuit in the Moree area this week.
About 1.45am Monday (19 May 2025), police were called to a motel on Alice Street, Moree, following reports of an armed break and enter.
Officers attached to New England Police District arrived and were told four teens had allegedly broken into a room where they threatened a man with a machete and a chair before stealing keys to a Mitsubishi SUV.
No injuries were reported.
At the same time police located the allegedly stolen car driving dangerously on Warialda Street.
Police directed the driver to stop; however, when they allegedly failed to do so a pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.
About 2.35am the same day, police seized the allegedly stolen vehicle after it was found abandoned on Grace Street.
A crime scene was established at both locations and officers attached to Operation Soteria commenced an investigation into the incident.
Following extensive investigations, police arrested a 16-year-old boy after he was found hiding in a cupboard at a home on Tawarri Street, Moree, about 2pm today (Wednesday 21 May 2025).
He was taken to Moree Police Station where he was charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence – armed, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, and possess prohibited drug.
The teen was also charged with two outstanding warrants relating to additional robbery and police pursuit offences.
The 16-year-old was refused bail to appear before a children's court tomorrow (Thursday 22 May 2025).
Investigations under Operation Soteria continue.
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.
