Strike Force Western Mongoose launched by Oxley police to target property crime in Tamworth

The major operation - codenamed Strike Force Western Mongoose - is made up of more than a dozen officers from highway patrol, proactive teams, the youth command and the dog squad, as well as detectives.

Oxley police Detective Inspector Jason Darcy is at the helm.

"The officers involved will be dedicated to this investigation until such time as the number of offences are reduced," he told the Leader.

"The message is zero tolerance ... there is a consequence for actions."

The strike force was triggered by a spate of break-ins and car thefts across Tamworth in a property crime plague that has persisted for months, leaving the community shaken and police at their wits' end.

"It is a major operation to prevent and disrupt these crimes," Detective Inspector Darcy said.

READ ALSO:

The squad is targeting the group of young offenders police believe are responsible, as well as those harbouring them across the city.

"We know who these young people are, the majority are reporting on bail and are repeat offenders," Detective Inspector Darcy said.

The youth command will play a key role in engaging with the community as investigations continue.

The strike force will also operate alongside other agencies from the criminal justice system.

The 14-strong team working under Detective Inspector Darcy will involve an operational, investigative and forensic arm.

He said the team of cops coming together proved how seriously the Oxley Police District was taking the problem.

Strike Force Western Mongoose has been successful in its first couple of days, with two teenagers arrested in the Tamworth CBD on Wednesday.

Officers were patrolling when they spotted the pair who were wanted by police on warrants.

The 15-year-old and 19-year-old allegedly tried to run but were arrested.

The younger boy was charged with two counts of aggravated break-and-enter, stealing a car, five counts of being carried in a stolen car, and receiving property suspected of being stolen from interstate.

The older teen was charged with breaching bail.

Both spent the night behind bars and fronted court on Thursday.

The strike force is made up of resources from within the Oxley command - detectives, the proactive crime team, the crime prevention unit and the dog squad, as well as the western region enforcement squad and traffic and highway command.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: