A teenager in the Bourke shire has been charged over the weekend as part of an investigation into an alleged vehicle theft earlier this month in the state’s north west.

The arrest was made in connection to Strike Force Waldo, which was established this month to investigate property offences throughout Central North Police District.

Strike Force Waldo consists of detectives and officers from the Central North Police District, Western Region Enforcement Squad, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Youth Command and the Dog Unit.

On Friday 8 July, police responded to reports of a vehicle fire in Harris Street, Bourke, about 4.45am. NSW Rural Fire Service attended and extinguished the blaze.

Police commenced an investigation and established the vehicle was stolen earlier that day from a home on Bourke Street, Brewarrina.

Following inquiries, officers attended a home in Bourke at 6.30pm on Saturday (23 July), and arrested a 16-year-old boy.

He was taken to Bourke Police Station and charged with take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.

The teen was refused bail and appeared at a children’s court on Sunday 24 July, where he was given conditional bail to appear before the children’s court on Monday 1 August.

Investigations will continue under Strike Force Waldo.