Seven teenagers, aged as young as 15, have been arrested following a series of car thefts in south-west Sydney. The arrests were made as part of an operation by police named Strike Force Sweetenham, which aims to tackle car crime across the area.
The police executed ten search warrants in several suburbs, including Prestons, Panania, Minto, Revesby, Glenfield, Lurnea, Hinchinbrook, Ingleburn, and Fairfield. During these operations, officers seized various items, including cash, a gel blaster, a tracking device, and multiple mobile phones.
Among those arrested was an 18-year-old man taken into custody in Glenfield. He faces charges of motor vehicle theft and involvement in a criminal group. Additionally, a 16-year-old boy from Prestons was apprehended and charged with multiple offences, such as aggravated break and enter and two counts of motor vehicle theft. Another 17-year-old boy, arrested in Minto, is charged with directing criminal group activities and seven counts of stealing vehicles.
Further arrests included a 17-year-old boy in Liverpool for stealing a car and trespassing with intent to commit a criminal act. All four of these teenagers have been denied bail and were presented in Campbelltown Local Court.
In addition to these main arrests, three other suspects were detained: an 18-year-old in Badgerys Creek, a 16-year-old in Hinchinbrook, and a 15-year-old in Fairfield, all of whom are assisting police with ongoing investigations.
This crackdown highlights the concerted efforts of law enforcement to address rising concerns surrounding youth crime and vehicle theft in the region.