Two youths face court after being apprehended following a home invasion at Terrey Hills.
Northern Beaches Police Area Command Superintendent John Duncan (main image) gave a press conference outside Dee Why Police Station this afternoon (2.00pm Tuesday, 04 February) following a home invasion overnight at Terrey Hills.
Superintendent Duncan confirmed the details of the terrifying incident, with two males coming to the front door of a house at Terrigal Road, Terrey Hills, last night at 10.20pm (Monday, 03 February).
The two males were confronted by the 68-year-old male resident of the house, who was at home with his 64-year-old wife. Refusing to hand over his car keys in response to threats from the pair, the man was allegedly attacked, one of whom was armed with ‘a large machete type knife’ that was subsequently recovered by police further down the road.
The male resident sustained an injury to his hand, understood to be a laceration to his thumb. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Northern Beaches Hospital, where he is undergoing surgery to his hand today. Police confirmed the woman at the home was not injured.
The man’s car was not stolen in the attack, and the assailants fled the scene on foot. They were described as being dressed in black clothing with partial face coverings. The injured man has so far not been able to give police a full description of the attackers while he undergoes medical treatment.
Two people matching the description of those who fled the scene were spotted in the vicinity of Terrey Hills Oval toward Beltana Avenue just after 11.00pm. The Northern Beaches Advocate spotted the pair, reporting their presence to police, who established a search in the immediate area, including with the Dog Unit.
Superintendent Duncan also said that two males matching the description of the fugitives were spotted in the vicinity of Cowrang Avenue shortly after 11.00pm, and additional reports came in of youths trying car doors in the area.
A breakthrough came around 4.00am this morning with a local resident reporting two youths behaving suspiciously at a bus stop, where they were picked up by police, placed into custody and taken to Manly Police Station. The two males, aged 12 and 15, are both from the Mt Druitt area.
Following inquiries, police charged the two boys with an unrelated offence, but Superintendent Duncan confirmed they remained as suspects in the case. They are to appear before Surry Hills Children’s Court today (Tuesday, 04 February 2025) on those charges, which were not specified but are understood to relate to breaking and entering of a nearby home.
One line of inquiry is how the child and the teenager, both from Mt Druitt, came to be in the area, and whether they were with accomplices. Superintendent Duncan also revealed that a major crime taskforce was at Duffys Forest three weeks ago to speak with residents about a spate of property crimes.
“Generally it’s a very safe area. Last month Strike Force Sweetenham were at Duffys Forest talking to more than 100 residents about home security, locking up your premises and CCTV footage.
“From time to time these types of crimes occur. One of the good things for us is there’s only one way in and one way out, and we have a pretty good chance of catching them.
“I encourage any of the residents in the area, if you see anything suspicious report it straightaway to Dee Why Police Station,” said Supt Duncan.
Supt Duncan asked that anyone who may have information about the incident to contact detectives at Manly Police Station on 02 9976 8099 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Watch the full video of the press conference below.
Update 8.10pm Tuesday, 04 February 2025:
NSW Police have issued a statement in relation to the two youths apprehended following the home invasion at Terrey Hills:
“Two boys have been charged with attempting to break into a car in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
“Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command were notified two people allegedly approached a home in Cowrang Avenue, Terrey Hills, about 11pm on Monday 3 February 2025.
“The two people allegedly attempted to open the door handles of a car parked in a driveway before they left.
“A crime scene was established and police commenced an investigation into the incident.
“Following inquiries, police arrested two boys, aged 12 and 15, on Booralie Road, Terrey Hills, about 4.10am on Tuesday 4 February 2025.
“They were taken to Manly Police Station and charged with enter building/land with intent commit indictable offence.
“The boys appeared at a children’s court on Tuesday 4 February 2025, where they were refused bail to appear at a children’s court on Tuesday 11 February 2025.”
Images and video: Northern Beaches Advocate
Hold up!
There is an updated version of this article with more up to date information.
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.
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