Officers at the Riverina Police District have had a busy week after a spate of robberies and break and enters hit the city and its surrounds.
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Detective Chief Inspector Darren Cloake said his team had enjoyed quite a bit of success this week, apprehending multiple people for several serious incidents around the region.
“The last three days have been very productive in terms of the police and community working together,” Detective Chief Inspector Cloake said.
The most recent arrest came on Wednesday when police tracked down the man behind a frightening break and enter on a Wollundry Avenue home.
“The victims had come home after being away for a short term and discovered the male inside their house,” Detective Chief Inspector Cloake said.
“They did give chase, and the investigation undertaken by the police let to the identification of that male, and he was charged with break and enter in circumstances of aggravation.”
While home break-ins have certainly been on the police’s radar, recent weeks have also seen an increase in criminals targeting local businesses.
“In the last few weeks, we’ve had a convenience store in Mangoplah targeted, and we also had one at Collingullie that was targeted, so that’s another series of investigations that we’re currently undertaking,” Detective Chief Inspector Cloake said.
“We know that the offenders in these cases, obviously by their localities, are using motor vehicles out at night and making good of the cover of darkness.”
Detective Chief Inspector Cloake said it was unfortunate to see that the majority of incidents in recent days and weeks had been linked to illegal drug use.
“It all comes down to their motivation and, nine times out of 10, it’s their use of drugs and the unhealthy relationships with drugs,” he said.
“It’s an ongoing battle that we hope to continue… in terms of trying to minimise the harm that these people inflict upon others.”
Detective Chief Inspector Cloake said that fact should give the community all the more reason to come forward with any information to assist police in their efforts.
“So, if people have got that information and know of drug activity and supply – and we see the damaging effects these drugs have on individuals and their families and communities – then please come forward, don’t stand back, be strong, take a step forward, and give us that information,” he said.
“We're only as good as the community we serve in terms of the information they give us.”
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