Four teens charged over city crime spree

Written by By SHANA MORGAN.

FOUR teenagers have been arrested over the alleged thefts of thousands of dollars of cash and property after targeting about 60 cars in one area of Wangaratta over the past week.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Mark Hussey, of the Wangaratta Criminal Investigation Unit, said the boys successfully broke into 15 to 20 of the cars, which had all been left unlocked.

"These kids have probably been doing it every night," he said.

The three 16 year olds and one 15 year old were charged with theft from motor vehicle and burglary on Wednesday for offences allegedly committed between January 24 and February 1.

Det Ld Sen Const Hussey said they allegedly also sprayed graffiti on one car’s rear window and stole alcohol from fridges in car ports, targeting houses and cars on Wenhams Lane, Thomas Wedge Drive, Murdoch Road and Donovan Drive.

"They were just checking the cars to see which ones were unlocked," he said.

"It’s also a warning for residents to lock their cars."

No damage was done to any cars that were locked.

Only two victims have come forward to police, which Det Ld Sen Const Hussey said makes it hard to put a figure on the value of money and property stolen, but he estimated it would be a few thousand dollars.

He said detectives had been investigating burglaries and thefts in the area when they discovered the enormity of the boys’ alleged thefts.

The teenagers will appear in a North East Children’s Court at a later date.