Officers from ACT Policing’s Operation TORIC have arrested eight teenage boys – the youngest aged 13 – for a range of motor vehicle offences in the past 24 hours.

About 5pm yesterday, Thursday 3 February, officers located three stolen motor vehicles in Macgregor. 

About 8.30pm, four boys returned to the cars. Police attempted to stop them from driving off; however, the boys rammed a police vehicle and fled.  

They then engaged in a pursuit on main arterial roads through Latham, Flynn, Fraser, and Charnwood. During the pursuit, police deployed tyre-deflation devices three times, but the 15-year-old driver still refused to stop.  

When the vehicle stopped in Charnwood, four offenders fled on foot, but were arrested a short time later. 

Additionally, four other teen boys were arrested by Operation TORIC yesterday for separate motor vehicle offences. 

Three of these teens were on bail for previous offences relating to stolen vehicles, and two had faced the ACT Children’s Court last Friday, 27 January. They were both later released on bail.   

Officer in Charge Operation TORIC, Detective Inspector Shane Scott said he was disappointed to see the same young recidivist offenders being repeatedly arrested. 

“We are doing everything we can to put recidivist offenders before the court and will continue to do our best in keeping Canberra safe from these people,” Detective Inspector Scott said. 

“We want to remind the community not to provide opportunities for this type of criminal activity by ensuring your home, vehicles and businesses are secure.  

“Please remember to report suspicious activity or dangerous driving behavior to police. Every bit of information helps us track these offenders down.” 

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