Police have charged a fourth teenage boy as part of ongoing investigations into the alleged theft of two vehicles, including an ambulance, during break-ins at homes in the state’s north west last week.

Just before 12.30am on Thursday 14 October 2021, five people – armed with knives – allegedly forced entry to a home on Mitchell Street at Bourke, and woke the occupant, a 30-year-old man.

The man was threatened before the group fled with cash and keys, and a Holden Commodore was stolen from outside.

The Holden was later recovered, after being found abandoned in Dooral Street at Brewarrina just before 2am.

Later that morning, a second home in Brewarrina was allegedly broken into just before 5.15am and an ambulance vehicle was stolen after keys were taken from the premises.

Officers from Central North Police District responded and sighted the ambulance vehicle travelling on the Kamilaroi Highway towards Bourke.

The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated.

During the pursuit, the ambulance allegedly crossed onto the incorrect side of the road and was deliberately driven at a police vehicle, forcing it to reverse to avoid a collision.

The ambulance struck the front of the police vehicle, forcing it into a ditch. The officers were uninjured.

The pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns and the vehicle was found abandoned at the intersection of Becker and Tudor Streets, after the occupants fled. It was seized for forensic examination.

Detectives from Central North Police District then established Strike Force Churnwood to investigate the incidents.

So far during the investigation, three teenage boys have been charged and remain before the courts.

Following further inquiries, officers arrested a 15-year-old boy at a home at Bourke just after 10am yesterday (Wednesday 20 October).

The boy was taken to Bourke Police Station and charged with two counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal and two counts of be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.

He appeared at a children’s court later that day, where he was formally refused bail and is due to re-appear at a children’s court on Friday 19 November.

As inquiries under Strike Force Churnwood continue, anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.