Teen denies role in smash and grab thefts
A teenager has denied all charges surrounding a spate of retail robberies earlier this year, which allegedly netted the 19-year-old $12,500 in Apple products.
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A teenager accused of playing a role in a spate of smash and grab robberies on electrical stores across Sydney and Newcastle has denied all charges at Picton Local Court today.
Nineteen-year-old Panashe Karise, dressed in a stylish blue suit, pleaded not guilty to all five charges before Magistrate Mark Douglass.
Police allege the Harrington Park teenager stole over $12,500 of Apple products on three occasions across a five-day period in March.
Investigations by Strike Force Arpen, launched in June to combat a string of retail thefts across Sydney, led to Mr Karise’s arrest at his home last month. Electronic devices were allegedly seized from the home by police at the time of the arrest.
Police allege Mr Karise stole four Apple MacBooks and four iPhones in a five-day period from shopping centres in Campbelltown, East Maitland and Jesmond, near Newcastle.
JB Hi-Fi, Vodafone and Radio Rentals were Mr Karise’s alleged targets.
Mr Karise was also charged with participating in a criminal group and giving away unlawfully obtained goods. He also pleaded not guilty.
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The teenager will remain on strict conditional bail which bans him from having any contact with about 18 people, all aged between 15 and 22.
The matter will return before Picton Local Court on October 22.