Man Charged with 26 Offences Following Extensive Investigation in Northern Rivers

A 20-year-old man has been charged with 26 offences after a comprehensive investigation into property crime, traffc violations, and drugrelated offences across the Northern Rivers region.

Investigation Overview

The alleged offences occurred between 26 November 2024 and 2 December 2024, spanning locations along the north coast from Woolgoolga to Kingscliff.

The investigation, led by the Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad (RES), was supported by multiple units including:

• Richmond Police District

• Coffs Harbour RES

• North Coast

Domestic Violence

High-Risk Offender Team (DVHROT)

• Dog Unit

• Police Rescue Unit

Arrest and Search Operation

On Tuesday, 14 January 2025, police executed an operation at a property on Oak Avenue, Casino, around 9:40 am.

• The man was arrested and served with a Firearms Prohibition Order and a Digital Evidence Access Order.

• A search warrant at the property resulted in the seizure of: o A machete o A hammer o A mobile phone o Cannabis o Keys to a stolen vehicle

Charges

The man faces 26 charges, including: Property Offences

• Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence-armed (4 counts)

• Break and enter house etc steal

• Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence - people there

• Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal

• Attempt aggravated break and enter with intent - armed (2 counts) Traffc Offences

• Drive conveyance taken without consent (3 counts)

• Police pursuit - not stop - drive at speed

• Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously

• Unlicensed for Class, Class C, R, LR, or MR (3 counts)

Drug and Weapon Offences

• Possess prohibited drug

• Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen

Other Serious Offences

• Armed with intent to commit indictable offence (2 counts)

• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of others

• Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm

• Recruit child to carry out/assist criminal activity

Legal Proceedings

The man was refused bail and appeared before Lismore Local Court today (15 January 2025). Bail was again formally denied, and he is scheduled to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on 11 March 2025.

Police Statement

Police emphasized their commitment to addressing serious criminal activity in the region and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the involved units in this case.

This arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of multiagency cooperation in tackling property, drug, and violent offences to ensure community safety.

Application for Appointment of Board Members

Ruthven Public Recreation And Preservation Of Native Flora Reserve Land Manager

Ever wondered who is responsible for keeping Crown reserves operating? Countless facilities like showgrounds, local halls and parks are run by Statutory Land Manager Boards, made up of people just like you. People who understand the need and have a desire to manage public land and assets for the beneft of the entire community.

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The Ruthven Public Recreation And Preservation Of Native Flora Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 58065 at Ruthven notifed on 12-Jun-1925 for Preservation Of Native Flora, Public Recreation. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.

Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au

All applications are required to be lodged by 13 February 2025.

For further information contact: Jacky Wiblin on (02) 6883 5427 or go to reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au

JEFF GIBBS

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has spoken out about the youth crime crisis that is affecting our communities.

“Just this past weekend, three teenagers armed with knives broke into a home in Casino and attacked a 67-yearold woman. Some of my friends were also threatened and attacked in Yamba,” Mr. Hogan said.

“This isn’t a one-time thing. I receive regular reports of similar crimes in places like Goonellabah, Maclean, Grafton, and Coraki. Many people feel scared and unsafe as youth crime continues to increase.”