Two boys charged after pursuit of stolen SUV in Orange - Operation Soteria
Thursday, 17 April 2025 02:53:32 PM
Two teenaged boys have been charged after the pursuit of a stolen SUV yesterday.
Officers attached to Central West Police District were called to a home in Covent Close about 2am yesterday (Wednesday 16 April 2025), responding to reports an SUV had been stolen during an alleged break and enter.
About 30 minutes later, police responded to reports two people were attempting to break into home on Emmaville Street, North Orange, and saw the stolen SUV being driven from the scene.
When the driver allegedly failed to stop when directed, a pursuit was initiated but was terminated due to the manner of driving.
About 10 minutes later, police found the SUV had left the road and struck a power pole at the intersection of William and Dalton streets.
A 15-year-old boy – who police will allege was the driver of the stolen SUV – was arrested at the scene. He was taken to Orange Base Hospital before he was airlifted to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead with serious injuries.
He was issued a court attendance notice and charged with two counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal, police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, and face blackened/disguised with intent to commit indictable offence.
The teen had a bedside hearing yesterday (Wednesday 16 April 2025), where he was given conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 19 May 2025.
About 9.30am, another 15-year-old boy was arrested and was taken to Orange Base Hospital for treatment before he was taken to Orange Police Station.
He was charged with for two counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, and face blackened/disguised with intent to commit indictable offence.
The boy was refused bail to appear at a children’s court today (Thursday 17 April 2025).
Operation Soteria was launched last month (March 2025) to address an escalation of violence in young offenders across Western and Northern parts of the State, with a focus on aggravated break, enter and steal offences, stealing motor vehicles and ‘post and boast’ offences where youths use social media to gain notoriety for their crimes.
NSW Police Crime Prevention and Youth Command are actively engaging in community outreach and diversion efforts.