A 13-year-old boy has been charged with 13 offences following a string of alleged armed break‑and‑enters across the Mid North Coast and Coffs Harbour regions of New South Wales. Police arrested the boy in the Kempsey area at about 1pm on Thursday, 22 January 2026, following an investigation into armed entries and stolen vehicles.
Police say the investigation began in August 2025 and focused on a group allegedly targeting local homes and businesses to steal high‑value items and vehicles. The boy faces 13 charges, including six counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling in company, an aggravated break and enter while armed, multiple counts related to being carried in or taking a conveyance without the owner’s consent, use of an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and a charge relating to driving recklessly during a police pursuit.
The alleged incidents occurred in Bonville (Coffs Harbour area), Kempsey, South West Rocks and Port Macquarie. Investigators from the Region Enforcement Squad (Coffs Harbour) and the Mid North Coast Police District say they used extensive investigations, including forensic inquiries, to track the suspect. Police allege the boy was involved in several police pursuits during which he rammed a fully marked police vehicle.
He was refused bail and is due to appear before the Children’s Court. Police say inquiries under Operation Soteria — the statewide effort targeting aggravated break‑ins and vehicle thefts — remain ongoing.
Local police are reminding residents to secure external doors and windows, and to keep car keys out of sight. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
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