TARGETED Police strike force operations in and around the Macleay Valley have resulted in more than 30 people being charged with 80 serious offences including armed robbery, discharging a firearm and aggravated break and enter.
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Strike forces Kurim, Mehi and Ronella were formed in response to a spate of armed robberies in the Mid North Coast local area command.
Detective Inspector Steven Clarke, crime manager for the Mid North Coast Local Area Command, said while the police had had some successes, they were not taking things easy.
“We are not taking our eye off the ball by any means even though we have seen some outstanding results from the strike force operations,” he said.
“Strike force Kurim from October 2011 until April 2012 saw 26 arrested who were charged with 67 offences, including armed robbery and firearms and vehicle theft offences.
“Strike force Mehi from May 2011 until May 2012 saw seven people arrested and subsequently charges with 10 serious offences.
“Strike force Ronella operated in the Macksville-Nambucca area and arrested three people for armed robbery, break and enters and assaults.
“We believe these people may also have been responsible for offence committed in and around Kempsey.”
Detective Inspector Clarke said police needed the assistance of the public to continue their good work.
“I can’t stress enough that the public need to do their part by reporting crimes,” he said.
“I am often told about particular crimes that have occurred but when I chase up the report I find that no complaint was made or an officer was told about the incident but the victims declined to make a formal statement.
“We (the police) need the assistance of the public to solve crimes and make arrests.”
Kempsey police can be contacted on 000 for emergency situations, the PAL (police assistance line) 131 444 to report incidences such as break and enter or theft after the incident has occur or via the Kempsey Police Station direct line for non emergency situations on 6561 6199.
If you have information to report about criminal or suspicious behaviour or activity you can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.