POLICE suspect "a core group of four offenders" are behind a string of Tamworth break-ins, police pursuits in stolen cars, and they're being hidden from officers by family and friends.
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A crime spree overnight on Thursday saw police run-off their feet trying to catch the group who broke into East Tamworth and Hillvue homes, stole three cars and then used them in police chases across town.
Oxley Detective Acting Inspector Jason Darcy said "a core group of four offenders" are suspected to be behind the Thursday night spree, along with several other break-ins this week.
"These offenders are wanted by police, they know they're wanted, and it's astonishing these people continue to harbour this group," he told the Leader.
"We need to stop these people before someone gets hurt."
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Extra police are on patrol at night as part of Operation Southbreak to try and stem the rising tide of offences this week. Senior police say the gang is putting lives at risk with their dangerous driving.
"There are two young persons who have returned to Tamworth who are both wanted on outstanding warrants and are in breach of their bail," Detective Darcy said.
"We're aware of who they are and we believe they're being harboured by people in West Tamworth.
"We need public help from the community to apprehend these persons responsible for these offences."
A Nissan Pulsar stolen from Dowell Avenue in East Tamworth on Thursday was still missing on Friday.
A Blue Hyundai IX35 was dumped and torched in Warwick Road just before 2am after it led police on a chase in Parry Street. It had been stolen in a Burnside Avenue break-in.
A 2014 Toyota Hilux ute was stolen in a break-in Hillvue on Thursday and later found dumped in MacGregor Street shortly before 4.30am. It had earlier lead police on a pursuit in Garden Street just before 2.30am, has been seized for clues.
'THEY'RE PUTTING LIVES AT RISK'
"We'll be knocking on doors at all hours, at 3 in the morning, making inquiries to try and catch those responsible," Detective Darcy said.
"These offenders have a total disregard for the personal property and safety of the Tamworth community, and the manner and way they have been conducting themselves is putting lives at risk in these pursuits."
Police have called for locals to lock up their homes, goods and cars and look out for suspicious activity, especially anyone out after dark acting suspiciously.
"This city is battling drought and trying to manage COVID issues and now these core group of young people are peddling unnecessary misery on a community already doing it tough enough," Detective Darcy said.
"But our job is being made more difficult when there are certain community members harbouring these offenders; they're deliberately not assisting police.
"And they need to ask themselves: how would they feel if it was them or their family members being targeted at night and having their houses broken into, their personal possessions and cars stolen, and then used in police pursuits?'"
Anyone with information on the offenders or who saw the stolen cars being driven is urged to contact Tamworth police on 6768 2999.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
