Teenagers charged following fires allegedly lit in Orange - Central West PD

Tuesday, 15 April 2025 02:32:08 PM

Two teenagers have been charged under Operation Soteria following several fires allegedly lit in the state’s central west last week.

Operation Soteria was formed to address an escalation of violence in young offenders across Western and Northern parts of the state. It focuses on aggravated break, enter and steal offences, motor vehicle thefts and ‘post and boast’ offences where youths use social media to gain notoriety for their crimes.

About 10pm on Friday 11 April 2025, officers attached to Central West Police District were alerted to multiple fires alight in Orange.

Police were told that between 9.20pm and 10pm on Friday 11 April 2025, several fires were lit in the city, including in Somerset Park between Burrendong Way, Orange, and Northstoke Way, Orange.

Following inquiries, about 7pm on Saturday 12 April 2025, a 17-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy were arrested and taken to Orange Police Station where they were each charged with four counts of damage property by fire/explosion.

Both teenagers were granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Monday 28 April 2025.

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