More than 400 people have been arrested under ACT Policing’s Operation TORIC, launched in 2022 to target recidivist offending and dangerous driving in the ACT.
The 400th person apprehended, a 35-year-old man from Phillip, was arrested on Thursday, 25 January for 37 charges: driving a stolen motor vehicle (16 charges), driving while suspended (16 charges), minor theft, possession of stolen property, and drug possession.
On the morning of Thursday, 21 December 2023, two vehicles were allegedly stolen from a residence on Robertson Street, Curtin: a white Hyundai Santa Fe SUV and a silver Nissan Qashqai SUV.
About 7.55pm on Friday 22 December, police observed the Nissan being driven at dangerous speeds southbound on the Tuggeranong Parkway. A short time later, police attempted to speak to the driver near a residence in Kambah; however, the vehicle fled the location. The Hyundai was also observed near the Kambah residence, but it did not stop for police, but also fled the location.
It is further alleged the Hyundai was involved in a petrol drive off from a Nicholls service station on Tuesday, 2 January 2024.
About 7.30pm on Thursday, 25 January, police again observed the Hyundai near a Kambah residence. They arrested the 35-year-old man at the location a short time later.
Since its inception in August 2022, Operation TORIC has apprehended 402 offenders, and 1,105 charges have ben laid. Â
Of those apprehended, 57 were the subject of Good Behaviour Orders, 164 were on bail, 24 were on parole, and 60 were subject to arrest warrants.
Operation TORIC is working with ACT Policing’s Proactive Intervention and Disruption Team and experts to break the cycle of recidivist behaviour and reoffending.
Police urge anyone who may have information regarding stolen motor vehicles or other offending to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.
