Tamworth break-ins: teenager arrested, accused of break-ins as property crime falls across Tamworth | Operation Southbreak

Hits on homes across the city dropped significantly this week, with no break and enters recorded on Thursday and Friday.

Oxley Detective Acting Inspector Jason Darcy told the Leader now was not the time for residents to become complacent, especially as the warmer weather sets in.

"This is the third significant arrest in four days for break-and-enter offences as part of Operation Southbreak, and we won't be stopping now," he said.

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On Thursday, a 16-year-old was arrested in Oxley Vale accused of break-ins on homes and a school dating as far back as January 2019.

The teen is accused of break-ins at Oxley High School, as well as homes in Lemon Gums Drive, Edward Street, Croydon Avenue and Raglan Street.

He's facing several counts of break, enter and steal; three charges of break-and-enter with intent; entering inclosed lands; and damaging property.

On Tuesday, a 22-year-old was arrested in Bilkurra Street, accused of break-ins and torching cars; while Tyler McMaster, 21, is behind bars after his arrest for a raft of offences and warrants on Monday.

"Operation Southbreak has seen extra patrols from police on foot, on bikes and in cars, and we've been targeting the known areas where these offences have been occurring to try and drive down crime," Detective Darcy said.

"The Proactive Crime Team (PCT) and our general duties police have been on the ground everyday and night; and our forensic services group have been conducting a detailed analysis at the crime scenes of these offences and that has provided critical breakthroughs in our investigations.

"All of this has culminated in arrests to put these accused before the court."

The teenager and two men will front court again later this month to enter pleas.

But police warn the long weekend could see more offending if locals don't lock up.

"We would urge community members to be vigilant, report suspicious activity, and always lock their homes and cars and secure their valuables away from sight, to ensure they don't become a victim or opportunistic crime," Detective Darcy said.