Two teenagers have been charged after an investigation into numerous vehicles being stolen and set alight in Orange, NSW Police say.
Over recent weeks, the Orange area has been subject to a number of vehicle theft and fraud related offences. The stolen vehicles have been destroyed by fire.
Police from Canobolas Proactive Crime and Property Investigation Team (CPPIT) commenced an investigation into the incidents.
About 10pm yesterday and 2.30am today, a credit card was stolen from an unlocked vehicle on Mitchell Street, Orange.
About the same time, a Mitsubishi Triton was stolen from Seville Street, Orange, near Mitchell Street.
A short time later the stolen credit card was used at service stations and a fast food restaurant in Orange. Staff raised suspicions and police were called.
About 4am, the stolen vehicle was set alight at the intersection of Spring Street and Algona Crescent.
Following further inquiries, police arrested a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man at two separate addresses on Algona Crescent. A 17-year-old boy was also later arrested at an address on Spring Street.
They were all taken to Orange Police Station, where the 16-year-old and 18-year-old were each charged with take and drive conveyance, enter vehicle without consent, larceny, and obtain benefit by deception (x2).
They were granted conditional bail, with the 18-year-old man to appear at Orange Local Court on Monday 14 August 2017, and the 16-year-old to appear at a children's court on the same day.
The 17-year-old was released pending further inquiries.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers.
