Four Teens Carry Out Ramraid Costing Maitland Business $60,000 in Damages and Stolen Goods

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Five people, including four teenagers, have been charged in relation to two alleged break and enter offences in the Hunter.

Officers had investigated two separate break and enter offences at a business on the New England Highway at Rutherford.

Three people had allegedly attempted to force entry to the property in the morning of Sunday 27 December 2020 without success.

Later, on Sunday 3 January 2021, five individuals reportedly drove a Nissan Patrol stolen from a Dudley property and drove to the Rutherford business before driving the vehicle through and smashing the front doors. All five fled the scene.

Two Kawasaki trail bikes were stolen, costing the business $60,000 in damages and stolen goods. 

The Nissan was later found burnt out in the nearby bush, while the trail bikes remain outstanding.

Officers arrested five individuals in relation to the offences, including a 17-year-old boy at an Telarah address, two 15-year-old boys from Tenambit and Aberglassyn addresses, a 14-year-old boy from a Muswellbrook home, and another 20-year-old man.

Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Ranald Urquhart, said cases like these were a high priority for local police.

“Break and enter offences continue to occur throughout areas such as Rutherford, Aberglasslyn and Maitland, and our local police are continuing to target those crimes," Det Insp Urquhart said.

“These crimes can often be prevented through simple crime prevention tips people can introduce in and around their homes, including security systems, sensor lighting, and keeping all valuables locked inside the home or shed at all times."

“We will continue to run operations throughout the district – those who choose to continue breaking the law, we will charge you and put you before the courts."