Boy charged over wave of home break-ins

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy has been charged over an alleged month-long break-in spree that saw a wave of homes hit across Wagga. 

Police allege the teen was involved in a string of break and enters in Ashmont between February 6 and March 5, with cash, jewellery and electronic items stolen during the incidents.

The value of the allegedly stolen property is estimated at about $4000.

Following what NSW Police described as extensive investigations, officers arrested the boy at a home in Mount Austin about 10.30pm on Friday, March 27.

He was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and charged with 11 break-in-related offences, including seven counts of break and enter house steal value less than or equal to $60,000.

The boy is also facing three counts of break and enter dwelling-house with intent, and one count of aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal less than or equal to $60,000.

He was refused bail by police before appearing before Bail Division Court 5 on Saturday, March 28, where he was granted conditional bail.

He is due to appear before the Children’s Court on Tuesday, March 31.

The arrest forms part of Operation Regional Mongoose, a high-visibility police operation targeting serious property crime across regional NSW, particularly offences allegedly committed by young offenders.

Investigations are ongoing.