Carnarvon teenagers charged with stealing Shire car

Two teenagers, both aged 17, who allegedly broke into Carnarvon Shire property, stole a car and drove it through a gate were charged by police last Thursday.

Police say the boys forcibly broke into the Shire’s depot on February 14, found keys, drove a stolen vehicle through a fence before going on an off-road joy ride and ending up bogged.

One of the teenagers is accused of committing a spate of other offences over the next fortnight, while his co-accused will only face charges relating to the alleged depot theft and joy ride. Charges include aggravated burglary, stealing a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property and stealing.

Police say the boys were captured on the Shire’s CCTV cameras, which led to their arrest.

Carnarvon Acting Det-Sgt Ben Manser said: “If you are going to go and commit crimes in a small town, we are going to find you.”

He also stressed concern for the young people stealing cars around the State, saying they were not only breaking the law but potentially endangering the lives of themselves, their friends and other road users.

Especially in alleged instances like this, where inexperienced drivers were taking stolen cars off-road.

Shire president Eddie Smith thanked the police for “working so diligently” on this case, but expressed concern about the level of youth crime in Carnarvon and the broader region.

He said the Shire was working with police to find a solution, but it was difficult to address as he believed many of the children involved had challenging life circumstances.

One of the accused teens is due to face Carnarvon Children’s Court on Friday, while the other is set to appear on March 26.