FOUR youths have been charged with multiple offences – including attempted armed robbery and robbery in company – over alleged incidents from Newcastle to north of Kempsey at the weekend.

On Sunday 1 October 2023, police from the Newcastle, Manning-Great Lakes, Mid North Coast, and Coffs/Clarence police districts began investigating several incidents they believed were linked.

Earlier that day, a group of four boys – aged between 12 and 17 – obtained a sedan police believe was stolen from a Broadmeadow home.

About 7pm the same day, the vehicle was involved in an alleged attempted armed robbery at a rest stop on the Pacific Highway at Ferodale near Raymond Terrace.

Police have been told an 18-year-old man stopped his car at the rest stop before he was approached by four people who allegedly tried to enter the man’s car, threatening him with a screwdriver; however, the man was able to drive from the scene.

About 9.15pm, an SUV was allegedly stolen by the boys when a home on Crawford Street, Buladelah, was broken into.

Police will allege in court the group then attempted to break into a motel in Taree, before breaking into a home on Pitt Street, Taree, but left empty-handed.

About 10pm, police were called to Macquarie Street, Coopernook, following reports of an attempted break and enter.

Police were told that a group had tried to gain access to the home before being challenged by a resident.

Police will allege the resident was threatened before another vehicle was rammed.

About 10.50pm, the SUV was damaged after allegedly ramming another vehicle near Kempsey, and the group moved to the sedan and drove away.

The driver of the rammed vehicle, a 35-year-old woman, was shaken but not injured; she attended a service station nearby where she contacted police.

Police will also allege that the sedan travelled to Briggenshaw Road, Valery, where the group broke into a house.

A short time later, with the assistance of POLAIR and the Dog Unit, four boys were arrested in nearby bushland and taken to Kempsey Police Station.

All four teens have been issued with multiple charges and have been bail refused to appear at children’s court this week.