A BOY as young as 12 is one of three charged with Tamworth break-in offences after they were tracked to a house by the police dog unit.
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The 12-year-old and two 14-year-olds, were captured in a home on Cole Road, Coledale about 4.30am on Monday.
One of the boys was granted bail in Tamworth Children's Court late on Monday afternoon on charges of aggravated break, enter and steal of a house in company, and custody of a knife.
Police first responded to reports a home on Dowell Avenue in East Tamworth had been hit by thieves at about 1.20am on Monday.
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It wasn't the only emergency call, with police also notified of several reports of trespassers in the same area.
While on patrol, officers were alerted to another break-in, this time at a North Street home where a white Corolla sedan was stolen.
Soon after, officers spotted the Corolla on Jewry Street and attempted to stop it. Police initiated a pursuit when it failed to pull over but it was quickly called off due to safety concerns.
The stolen Corolla was found dumped shortly after, and the dog unit started sniffing for clues.
Alpha and his handler tracked three boys to a Cole Road home where they were arrested at 4.30am.
They were taken to Tamworth Police Station for questioning before they were charged with aggravated break-and-enter offences, along with entering a vehicle without consent, and being carried in a stolen car.
Police said the 12-year-old was also charged with breach of bail. All three were refused bail by police, and two were still in custody late on Monday afternoon.
Magistrate Joy Boulos released one juvenile on the condition he stay out of trouble; live in Hillvue; attend school; and not leave the home unless attending school, or in the direct company of his mother or grandfather.
He is also subject to a curfew and must answer the door when police come knocking between 8pm and 7.30am. The charges will head to a hearing in May.
Detective Acting Inspector Jason Darcy told the Leader seven males, including four who are children, had been arrested for property offences in seven days.
The squad targeting property crime also uncovered a huge cash and drug bust while carrying out late-night patrols last week, which saw four others charged.
"Police are continuing to make inroads in investigations, but again on the weekend we saw a number of break-and-enter offences and stolen cars in Tamworth," he said.
"Operation Southbreak continues and investigations are ongoing."
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