Operation Regional Mongoose: NSW Police charge three teens over alleged petrol theft, pursuit

Three teenagers have been charged after allegedly speeding at up to 70km/h above the limit in a stolen car during a dangerous police chase in northern NSW.

The Bruxner Highway in Lindendale. Picture: File

Three teenagers have been charged after allegedly speeding at up to 70km/h above the limit in a stolen car during a dangerous Lismore police chase.

The young group, all aged 14, were set to face a children’s court on Wednesday after being charged with a range of offences that included police pursuit, driving and being carried in a stolen vehicle, using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and fraud.

NSW Police said officers had been told three teenagers were travelling in a stolen car after the trio allegedly failed to pay for fuel on Ballina Rd, Lismore, about 1.30am on Wednesday.

Officers from the Richmond Police District spotted the car on Woodburn-Evans Head Rd, Doonbah, and a chase began when the car did not pull over.

The pursuit continued onto the M1 motorway, before heading westbound on the Bruxner Highway. where the car allegedly sped up to 180km/h in a 110km/h zone.

The teenagers allegedly stole petrol before the police chase. Picture: File

Road spikes were used, causing the car to come to a stop near Lindendale.

The occupants ran from the scene but were found and arrested shortly after.

The trio were taken to Lismore Police Station where they were refused bail ahead of their court appearances.

The teenagers were arrested as part of Operation Regional Mongoose, a police operation aimed at curbing serious property-related crime committed mostly by young offenders.

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