Individuals in alleged stolen vehicles on the run in Wagga after ramming police and escaping pursuits

Riverina Police District’s Superintendent Bob Noble alleged the vehicles were driving “in an extremely dangerous and erratic manner around the city”.

“Police alleges there was a series of vehicles with a series of individual offenders,” he said.

“The nexus was Ashmont, but it did go into other areas in the city.

Superintendent Noble alleged the offenders actively tried to engage police in pursuits.

“A number of pursuits did commence but were terminated by the police in the interest of safety,” he said.

“There were seven motor vehicles stolen across the city over the long weekend.

“A number of those were recovered burnt out and a number of others recovered intact.

“Others are still outstanding, so those are the primary focus of our investigations today.”

Asked about the suspects, Superintendent Noble said they were varied individuals whom police believe they know.

“We’re talking about various people – in some cases they may be juvenile and some other are certainly adult offenders and they certainly should know better,” he said.

As a result of the incident, the RPD launched Operation Bull Work today.

“Operation Bull Work has been established in an effort to clamp down on this offending behaviour and instill safety to the streets,” Superintendent Noble said.

He also praised the police officers involved in the incident, saying “police exercised admirable restraint and discipline”.

“I think the police did a great job last night – it’s extraordinary that no one was injured at all,” he said.

“Police who were working last night and this morning can be very proud of their efforts.

“In addition to that, there was an absolute powerhouse of proactive work done across the city and the district across the weekend.

“The result could’ve been a lot worse if that wasn’t done.”

He said the RPD may also bring in officers from other units – including Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, drug and air – to help with the investigations.

“There’s no doubt we will bring these offenders to heel,” he said.

“We’ll do it through good-old-fashion policing [and] robust investigations into these offences.”

Police urge anyone with information to contact Wagga Police Station on 6922 2599 or Crime Stoppers NSW on 1800 333 000.

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