TWO Raymond Terrace teens will likely face serious criminal charges, rather than being dealt with under the Young Offenders Act, after allegedly slashing car tyres and stealing from vehicles last weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 13-year-olds were found in Sussex Close, Raymond Terrace, on Saturday night by police taking part in Operation Rusty.
The operation combined the forces of Port Stephens, Newcastle City, Lake Macquarie and the Lower Hunter commands to target alcohol-related crime and thefts from cars on October 18.
Additionally, police from the traffic and highway patrol command led an operation which between Friday and Sunday detected 27 drivers under the influence of drugs.
Sussex Close was one of nine streets in Raymond Terrace where sometime between Friday and Saturday night car tyres were slashed and items stolen from vehicles.
Police said the teenage boys had been acting suspiciously when they were found Saturday night. The pair were allegedly found carrying a Swiss army knife, cigarette lighters and phones.
Both were interviewed at Raymond Terrace Police Station on Sunday.
Port Stephens Local Area Command Sergeant Matthew Moroney said in usual circumstances the Young Offenders Act would apply.
"But considering the extent and volume of incidents, determinations are being undertaken to see if criminal prosecutions would be more appropriate," Sergeant Moroney said.
"Early indications are that this will likely be the case."
Operation Rusty will be ongoing. Sergeant Moroney said the operation was led by each of the four LAC's proactive crime management teams.
