Teens charged over car theft

Two teens have been arrested in a car that was allegedly stolen from Newport.

Two teenage boys have been arrested in the Illawarra after NSW Police found them in possession of a vehicle that had allegedly been stolen from Newport on Sunday.

Just after 1.00am Sunday morning (14 April), police received a report from members of the public of a vehicle being driven recklessly by youths at Barrenjoey Road, Newport. The vehicle was not stopped by police at the time, but is understood to match the description of a Subaru Forester that was subsequently reported stolen.

Around 3.00am Thursday (18 April), officers attached to Wollongong Police District were patrolling at Towradgi Road, Towradgi, when they noticed the Subaru Forester, which they believed to be the alleged stolen vehicle.

Officers activated their lights and sirens, directing the vehicle to stop, but it allegedly sped away, travelling north along the M1 motorway towards Helensburgh, allegedly reaching speeds of 180 km/h in a 110 km/h zone.

The pursuit continued to the Helensburgh exit, before travelling south along the M1 motorway back towards Wollongong. The pursuit was finally brought to a halt when the stolen Subaru ran out of fuel near Bulli.

Around 3.15am, the 16-year-old male driver and his 15-year-old male passenger were arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station.

The 16-year-old boy was charged with police pursuit — not stop — drive at speed, drive conveyance taken without consent to the owner, never licensed person drive vehicle on road.

The 15-year-old boy was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of the owner, and breach of bail.

Both teens were refused bail and appeared in a Children’s Court yesterday (Thursday, 18 April 2024).

Police allege the car was stolen from a home at Newport on Sunday (14 April 2024).

Investigations are ongoing, and police have requested that anyone who may have any information contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Images: Northern Beaches Advocate (file)

NSW Police are seeking public assistance in relation to this matter. If you have any information that may assist them with their inquiries, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.