Teenagers Charged After Stealing Porsche in Newcastle and Launching Armed Robbery Spree Across NSW and Queensland

Two teenagers have been charged following a series of armed robberies and vehicle thefts, including the theft of a Porsche from Newcastle, which sparked a crime spree across the state’s north-west over the weekend.

The crime wave began when a white 2024-model Ford Everest was stolen from a motel on Amaroo Drive, Moree, at around 2:20am on Saturday, 17 August 2024. The stolen vehicle was spotted later that morning on the Gwydir Highway, but a police pursuit was called off due to safety concerns.

Later that night, police sighted the Ford SUV and a 2021-model silver Mazda CX-30, believed to be stolen from Queensland, near Boggabilla as they headed towards Goondiwindi. Despite attempts to stop them using road spikes on the Newell Highway, the vehicles managed to escape.

Further investigations revealed that these vehicles, along with a 2017-model black Ford Mustang sedan – which was later found burnt out – were involved in several break-ins and dangerous driving incidents in the Boggabilla area earlier in the day.

The situation escalated when the offenders allegedly stole a 2010-model silver Audi Q5 after threatening occupants at a motel in Moree just after midnight on Sunday, 18 August. The group continued their spree by robbing a service station in Bellata before fleeing in the stolen vehicles.

On Monday, 19 August, police arrested a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man at an address in South Tamworth. Shortly after, a 17-year-old boy was arrested in West Tamworth, near where a black Porsche SUV, stolen from Newcastle, was recovered.

The teenagers face a range of serious charges, including aggravated break and enter, armed robbery, and vehicle theft. Investigations are ongoing, with police urging the public to assist in identifying others who may be involved.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.