A man and two teenage boys have been charged following an alleged break and enter on the state's Mid North Coast, under Operation Soteria.
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.
Shortly after 8:30am on Saturday 2 August 2025, officers from Manning/Great Lakes Police District were called to a home on River Street, Taree, following reports of a break and enter.
At the scene, police were told three people allegedly entered the home, one of which was holding a machete, and threatened the occupant, an 83-year-old woman.
The three people allegedly demanded property from the woman before ransacking the house and leaving the premises. No items were taken during the incident.
The woman was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene for minor injuries.
A crime scene was established and investigations into the incident commenced.
Following inquiries, at 8:30am on Monday 4 August 2025, police stopped a black Mazda CX9 on the New England Highway, Bendemeer and arrested an 18-year-old man, who was an occupant of the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle resulted in police locating a machete, clothing and other items alleged to be linked to the break and enter.
The 18-year-old was taken to Tamworth Police Station where he was charged with aggravated break and enter and goods in custody.
He was bail refused to appear at Bail Division Local Court 5 on Tuesday 5 August 2025. He was again bail refused to appear at Taree Local Court on Monday 13 October 2025.
Following further inquiries, at 8am today (Friday 15 August 2025) officers from Manning/Great Lakes Police District and Oxley Police District executed a search warrant at premises in West Tamworth.
Police arrested a 14-year-old boy at the address. He was taken to Tamworth Police Station and was charged with aggravated break and enter.
He was bail refused to appear at a children's court today (Friday 15 August 2025).
At 8:15am today (Friday 15 August 2025), a 15-year-old boy was arrested on Anthony Road, South Tamworth. He was taken to Tamworth Police Station and charged with aggravated break and enter.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children's court on Wednesday 17 September 2025.
Inquiries 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.
