Coonamble business owners have suffered tremendous damage just days into the new year, as a late night vandalism act saw several shop fronts in the town’s main street damaged with smashed windows on Sunday night, 2 January. 

During the event, 11 main street windows were smashed, including those of four operating businesses. 

Local bakery Global Village, the Rural Financial Counselling Service, Sureway, and Noels His N Hers Hairdressing all saw damage to their shop fronts. 

Police arrested the offender after the incident, after finding them in a nearby area. Their involvement was later confirmed by CCTV footage from the main street. 

They were acting alone. 

Just days later in Bourke, an attempted break-in occurred, where a teenage boy was charged. 

Officers attached to Central North Police District commenced an investigation after receiving reports a group of people attempted to break into a home at Mertin Street just before 2.30am on Monday, 3 January.

Following inquiries, a 15-year-old boy was arrested at a home at Bourke about 11am yesterday (Tuesday, 4 January).

A number of items were seized for further examination. 

The teen was taken to Bourke Police Station and charged with attempt aggravated break and enter. 

He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at a children’s court on Monday 21 February 2022. 

Inquiries are continuing into the incident.