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Seven teenagers have been arrested for their alleged involvement in multiple home burglaries and stolen vehicles across Canberra since February this year.
Since 1 January 2025, almost 200 vehicles have been reported stolen to police. Operation Minlaton was established in early February in response and to date, has identified more than a dozen teenagers and one young adult allegedly involved in multiple thefts.
Following an investigation by ACT Policing’s Proactive Intervention and Diversion team, four teenagers were arrested between 20 and 27 February, and three teenagers were arrested on 28 February.
Police allege the group would enter homes via unlocked doors in groups and steal car keys and other items before driving off in the stolen vehicles.
In some instances, alleged offenders in the stolen vehicles would attempt to evade police, speeding and driving dangerously before they were apprehended.
The seven teenagers have been charged with various offences, including driving stolen motor vehicles, failing to stop for police, joint commission aggravated burglary and driving offences.
Six teenagers have been remanded in custody while a 16-year-old boy was bailed to re-appear before court at a later date.
All seven teenagers have come to police attention for similar offences and all were on bail or subject to good behaviour orders when they were arrested.
The alleged offenders have been apprehended by police more than 190 times, and one boy has been charged in relation to more than 70 offences.
Two of the teenagers have been arrested for breaching their bail conditions 11 times and one had been apprehended by police five times in the first two months of 2025.
Detective acting Inspector Heidi Wright, Officer in Charge of Proactive Policing, said the group were mostly opportunistic, but were targeting high-end vehicles when they could.
“While property crime, including thefts, is one of the most common crimes committed in Canberra – there are things we can do to make it harder for thieves,” Det. a/Insp. Wright said.
“Lock your doors and windows even when you’re home. Don’t leave your car keys in an obvious spot in your home and don’t leave an unsecured key outside your home.