Third man charged after investigations into break-ins, ATM theft during ram raid

Detectives have charged a man over an alleged break-in at a golf club following investigations into several thefts and a ram raid in the state's north west.

Just before 2.30am on Monday 14 October 2019, police were called to a registered club on Henry Street, Werris Creek, about 50km south east of Tamworth, after reports of a ram raid.

An officer from Oxley Police District attended and the police vehicle he was driving was struck by a stolen Holden Rodeo utility, before the officer exited the vehicle and discharged a number of shots.

No one was injured, and the ute drove away, before the occupants dumped the vehicle on The Gap Road and fled into nearby bushland.

Despite an extensive search of the area, they were not located.

Detectives from the State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, assisted by Oxley Police District, commenced an investigation under Strike Force Ousley.

Strike Force detectives also investigated a number of other thefts in the state's west and north, including:

  • the attempted theft of an ATM from a financial institution in Bingara on Monday 29July 2018
  • an aggravated break- in at a car-wash cash machine in Tuncurry on Saturday 28 September 2019
  • motor vehicles stolen from a business within Narrabri on Monday 18 November 2019, and
  • a break-in at a club on Golf Club Road, Wee Waa, about 6am on Tuesday 21 January 2020 where cash and alcohol were stolen

As a result of investigations, strike force detectives, assisted by Western Region Operations Support Group, executed two search warrants at homes in Wee Waa earlier this month.

Two men – both aged 22 – were charged. They remain before the courts.

Following further inquiries, detectives arrested a 38-year-old man at Tamworth Police Station about 9.30am today (Tuesday 17 March 2020).

He was charged with aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal less than $60,000.

Police will allege in court that the man was involved in a break-in at a club in Wee Waa in January 2020.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Tamworth Local Court today.

Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Ousley detectives to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/

Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our social media pages.

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