Two arrests follow north west investigation

Detectives have charged two men following investigations into several break-ins, thefts and a ram raid at a registered club in the north west.

“Just before 2.30am on Monday, October 14, 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,” police said.

“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,” police said.

“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, July 29, 2018, an aggravated break-in at a car-wash cash machine in Tuncurry on Saturday, September 28, 2019, motor vehicles stolen from a business in Narrabri on Monday, November 18 last year, and a break-in at a club on Golf Club Road, Wee Waa, about 6am on Tuesday, January 21 this year when cash and alcohol were stolen.

“Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives, assisted by Western Region Operations Support Group, executed two search warrants at homes in Wee Waa from 7am yesterday, Wednesday.

“During the searches, detectives seized clothing, two vehicles, a Hyundai Accent and Holden Commodore, and other items relevant to the investigation.

“Two men were arrested during the operation and taken to Narrabri Police Station.

“One of the men was charged with 11 offences including steal motor vehicle (x4), stalk/intimidate, intend fear physical harm, attempt larceny, aggravated break and enter dwelling in company (x2), enter building/land with intent to commit indictable offence (x2), and larceny.

“The other man was charged with six offences – steal motor vehicle (x2), aggravated break and enter dwelling in company (x2), larceny, and damage property by fire/explosion.

“Both were refused bail to appear at Gunnedah Local Court today, Thursday.

“Investigations under Strike Force Ousley are continuing.”