Horrifying videos show sickening crime rampage in country town

A police officer has been ambushed by a teenage thug who threw a large rock which smashed the windscreen of a patrol car — with the attack filmed and posted to Instagram.

A police officer has been ambushed by a teenage thug who threw a large rock which smashed the windscreen of a patrol car — with the attack filmed and posted to Instagram for thousands to watch.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the graphic video of the incident last Saturday, in which the officer can be seen to cover up as the rock hits the glass, is just one of dozens uploaded to an account named Kempsey’s Most Dangerous, where teen offenders boast about stealing cars, ramming police and breaking into homes across the Mid-North Coast.

The disturbing trend, dubbed “post and boast”, sees young criminals record their crimes and share them online in pursuit of fame, followers and notoriety.

In 2024, the state government strengthened bail laws and brought in new “post and boast” offence penalties, aiming to deter individuals from glorifying their crimes online.

“The government can pat themselves on the back but clearly the changes they have made are not shifting at all,” said Opposition police spokesman Paul Toole.

The police officer attempts to shield from the rock which smashes the windscreen of the police vehicle. Picture: Instagram

In one video, three allegedly stolen vehicles circle a marked police car. In another, a rock is hurled from a moving vehicle.

Others show teens ransacking houses, taunting officers, and showing off high-end cars they’ve allegedly stolen, including Porsches, Bentleys and Volkswagens.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley says the videos are ‘nothing short of sickening’. Picture: NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

Police Minister Yasmin Catley has confirmed “an active police investigation is under way.”

“It’s nothing short of sickening,” Ms Catley said.

“This kind of contempt for the law shows just how little regard these people have for the very people who risk their lives every day to protect our communities.

“Police will find those responsible and they will see them in court.”

Police sources say officers in the region are under siege from youth criminals.

“These kids are thugs and a menace to society,” Mr Toole said.

“They’re using steering wheels as weapons. This isn’t youthful rebellion, it’s criminal.”

Mr Toole said the crisis was escalating under the Minns government, which has held a parliamentary inquiry into regional youth crime.

“People deserve to feel safe. Right now, under Labor, they don’t,” he said.

“Officers are out there copping it on their own. The laws aren’t hitting the mark.”

One teen poses with a handful of $50 notes.

A post mocking an officer at a police station.

Police Association president Kevin Morton said officers were being directly targeted and the community should be outraged.

“To throw a heavy projectile through the windscreen of a police vehicle is a serious offence,” he said.

“Police have built strong relationships with young people in the area. They don’t deserve to be attacked for doing their job.”

Mr Morton urged anyone who recognised the offenders to come forward, saying: “If your mates are engaged in this behaviour, call it out before someone gets seriously hurt.”

Allegedly stolen vehicles circle a police car.

Instagram owner Meta said it was investigating the accounts in question.

“Meta’s policies prohibit people from promoting criminal or harmful activities,” a spokesman said.

“We have a dedicated law enforcement outreach team who provide a dedicated channel for law enforcement to flag content of concern.”

Originally published as Horrifying videos show sickening crime rampage in country town