Road spikes stop car thieves

NSW Police have arrested a man and teenage boy following a stolen vehicle pursuit from Manly.

Just after 2.15am this morning (Monday, 19 August), the occupants of a home at Adrian Place, Balgowlah Heights, were woken by the sound of their car being stolen after their keys were stolen during a break-in while they were asleep. They immediately notified police of the break-in and theft of their vehicle.

Around an hour later at 3.30am, officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command who were patrolling at Belgrave Street, Manly, spotted the allegedly stolen vehicle. When they attempted to stop the car, the vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated.

It is understood the car sped away from police northbound on Pittwater Road, before turning onto Balgowlah Road and making its way across the Spit Bridge southbound.

Police deployed road spikes at Spit Road, Mosman, and still attempting to flee, the driver lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a traffic light. Three males were seen to leave the vehicle and flee from police.

Following a foot pursuit of the suspects, police apprehended a 20-year-old man close to the scene of the collision, and a short time later located a 14-year-old boy at Pearl Bay Avenue, Mosman.

Both males were arrested and taken to Manly Police Station where they continue to assist police with their inquiries. NSW Police have commenced a formal investigation into the incident and are asking anyone with information that may assist them to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

There were no reports of any injuries as a result of the pursuit.

Update 4.15pm Monday, 19 August 2024:

Following inquiries, NSW Police issued the following updated statement at 4.15pm this afternoon (Monday, 19 August):

“Two people have been charged following a pursuit of an allegedly stolen vehicle on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

“About 2.20am today (Monday 19 August 2024), a vehicle was allegedly stolen from a home in Adrian Place, Balgowlah Heights, during a break and enter whilst the occupants were asleep.

“A short time later, officers sighted the vehicle travelling north along Belgrave Street, Manly, where they attempted to stop the vehicle.

“When the vehicle failed to stop a pursuit was initiated.

“Road spikes were successfully deployed on Spit Road, Mosman, with the vehicle hitting a traffic light.

“Three males were seen to run from the vehicle.

“Following a foot pursuit, a 20-year-old man was arrested at the scene.

“A 14-year-old boy was later arrested in Pearl Bay Avenue, Mosman.

“The 20-year-old man was taken to Manly Police Station and charged with aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence.

“He was refused bail to appear at Manly Local Court today (Monday 19 August 2024).

“The 14-year-old boy was taken to Manly Police Station and charged with aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence and passenger not disclose driver’s/other passenger’s identity.

“He was refused bail to appear at a children’s court today (Monday 19 August 2024).

“Inquiries continue,” said the NSW Police statement.

Nine News covered the story on their 6.00pm bulletin (Monday, 19 August):

Image: Northern Beaches Advocate (file)
Video: Nine News

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.