Mother, son charged over smash-and-grab spree that targeted nearly 40 stores

A mother, her teenage son and his friend have been charged over an alleged three-week crime spree targeting dozens of businesses across Sydney’s west, with police claiming the woman was the ringleader behind the operation.

A mother and son are among a trio of alleged thieves charged over a violent smash-and-grab crime spree that saw nearly 40 Western Sydney businesses targeted in just three weeks.

Police established Strike Force Allanson on May 26 to investigate the co-ordinated burglary campaign, which allegedly saw cafes, takeaway stores, barbers and supermarkets broken into by a group using hammers to smash windows and doors.

Officers allege the 42-year-old woman acted as the mastermind behind the spree, which left a $150,000 trail of damage and losses across suburbs from St Marys to Springwood, with her 18-year-old son and his friend also accused of taking part in the string of robberies.

The group’s run came to a dramatic end early Wednesday morning when one of the teens — armed with a hammer — was caught in the act smashing through the front window of a Liquorland store in Winmalee.

A mother and son are among a trio of alleged thieves charged over a smash and grab crime spree across Sydney's west. Picture: 9news.

The masked teen was filmed by nearby CCTV allegedly breaking into the shop before being confronted by a waiting police officer before he fled the scene on foot, running straight to a waiting dark grey Suzuki Swift — allegedly driven by the 42-year-old woman.

The second 18-year-old is believed to be a friend of the son. Picture: 9news.

Shortly after, police executed a search warrant at a unit in Blackett, where they arrested a second 18-year-old man, believed to be the woman’s son. He was taken to Mount Druitt Police Station for questioning.

A Suzuki Swift believed to have been used during the break-ins has also been seized.

All three have now been charged over the alleged break-in spree, which is alleged to have involved 39 commercial premises.

Among the 39 businesses allegedly hit were three food outlets in Caddens, four stores including a nail salon in Jordan Springs and several shops in the St Clair shopping village.

Police estimate the total damage bill to be around $150,000, with goods, cash and personal items stolen. Investigations are continuing.

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Originally published as Mother, son charged over smash-and-grab spree that targeted nearly 40 stores