Ballina, Lismore thefts: Police have sights set on alleged criminal group

Police believe they know who is responsible for a spate of thefts from cars and homes and they expect to charge two boys over a separate incident.

A senior Richmond Police District officer said residents in the region should lock up their cars as a small group of known persons have moved into the area and are breaking into vehicles as well as stealing cars.

An increase in thefts from cars and homes has been blamed on a group of alleged criminals who have moved into the region.

Richmond Police District Inspector Bill McKenna said police believed recent thefts in Ballina, Lismore and surrounds were believed to be linked to a small group of criminals who had recently moved to the area.

“A group of people known to us have come into the area and we are circulating warrants,” he said.

“It is not uncommon to have persons come into the area and steal from motor vehicles.”

Det Insp McKenna said the four people of interest would also face charges for violating public health orders.

“These people also have no respect for Covid protocols, they have no respect for the community,” he said.

“So when we catch them they will also be charged with these offences.”

Det Insp McKenna urged everyone to lock their cars, “even in your own driveway.”

He said even though people are staying home due to the pandemic, they should still take every precaution.

In relation to an entirely separate matter, he said officers would charge two boys, aged 11 and 12, who allegedly broke into a property in Ballina at the weekend.

He said police would allege the boys gained entry to the RSL Bowls Club in Canal Road between 11.30am and 12 noon on Saturday, August 29.

“The young persons (allegedly) gained entry to the premises by forcing a door open,” he said.

“They rummaged through the interior and were captured on CCTV.

“As a result both young persons were spoken to in the presence of their parents and they will be attending Ballina Police Station to be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.”