Teens arrested for gym car thefts

A 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy will face the ACT Children’s Court today (Friday, 7 July 2023) following their arrest in relation to the theft of vehicles from Gungahlin gyms.   

About 1.05pm on Wednesday (5 July 2023) police allege the pair stole a backpack from a gym located on Cringan Circuit, Gungahlin. The juveniles subsequently used keys located in the bag to steal a red Holden Barina from the gym’s car park.  

Police further allege about 1.15pm the same day, the pair attended another gym located on Hibberson Street, where they stole a handbag which contained keys to a white Holden Commodore, which they also subsequently stole.   

Police attended both locations and were able to identify the alleged offenders from CCTV footage.    

About 2pm on Thursday (6 July 2023) officers from Woden Station and Operation TORIC sighted the 17-year-old in Duffy. The boy was subsequently arrested after being located hiding in bushes . He has been charged with breaching a good behaviour order, joint commission aggravated burglary, and two counts of joint commission take motor vehicle without consent.   

A short time later, the 16-year-old was arrested at a residence in Duffy. He has been charged with two counts of take motor vehicle without consent, as well as a charge of burglary, an active arrest warrant for other offences, and breach of bail.    

Police enquiries in relation to these matters are ongoing, and further charges against the pair and others may occur.  

MEDIA ENQUIRIES  

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070  act-police-media@afp.gov.au