NSW Police charge boys aged 14 and 15 after alleged break-ins, Bruxner Hwy police chase in northern NSW

A pair of boys aged just 14 and 15 have faced court after another alleged juvenile break-in and police chase in the Northern Rivers. It comes as residents, cops and courts struggle to combat youth crime statewide.

A pair of boys aged just 14 and 15 have been charged and faced Children’s Court following another alleged youth break-in and police chase in the Northern Rivers.

It comes as a raft of juvenile crimes have been detailed by northern NSW police – and officers statewide – in recent days, weeks and months.

NSW towns including Casino and Dubbo have been in the spotlight, while social media platforms such as Instagram and Meta have been accused of helping to fuel youth crime – failing to swiftly remove footage of offending.

Social media giants like Meta (Facebook) have been accused of allowing content showcasing offending to spread online and worsen a youth crime crisis – but the companies have hit back. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

In mid-March, the latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data showed rising youth crime rates in NSW.

Questioned about youth crime the same month, NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said she had “not tried to hide the fact that we do have a problem” and was working with police to ensure front line officers were well-resourced.

Police launched Operation Regional Mongoose North to target property crime, including vehicle thefts and break and enter offences, throughout the Richmond, Tweed-Byron and Coffs Clarence police districts.

In the latest investigation, Richmond Police officers were told of a break-and-enter at a Taylor Ave, Goonellabah home between midnight and 1.30am on Sunday.

A red Honda Civic was snatched, and police were informed of another break-in on Calnan Crescent, Cumbalum about 2,25am, where the Honda was sighted.

“The Honda was later seen on the Bruxner Highway, Wollongbar and allegedly failed to stop when directed by officers and a pursuit was initiated,” police state.

The Bruxner Highway at Wollongbar.

“The pursuit travelled through the townships of Wollongbar, Lindendale, Lismore and Woodburn, covering over approximately 50km, before road spikes were successfully deployed and the came to a stop on Cedar Street, Woodburn.”

Police allege the 14 and 15-year-old boys “exited the vehicle and after a short foot pursuit, they were arrested in the town drain”.

The pair were taken to Lismore Police Station, charged and faced the court on Monday.

Residents took to social media to voice their frustration and anger.

Escalating youth crime has been a hot topic in regional communities statewide.

One woman claimed she was one of the victims: “They robbed my home … It has left me feeling paranoid about sleeping.”

“I truly hope they finally have some sort of consequences,” she wrote.

More information is being sought from the woman.

The boys were arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station.

Another woman wrote on the Richmond Police Facebook page: “This is why so many young ones getting killed in car accidents. 14 and 15, should have been home in bed at that time.”

The younger boy has been charged with one count each of aggravated break-and-enter and commit serious indictable offence, taking and driving a car without consent and police pursuit (not stop, drive at speed).

The older boy has been charged with one count each of with aggravated break-and-enter to commit serious indictable offence and being carried in a car taken without consent.

They cannot legally be identified because they are underage.