Three teenage boys will re-appear in court today charged as part of an ongoing investigation 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, Bourke and waking the occupant, a 30-year-old man.

The occupant 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.

A second home in Brewarrina was then 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 established Strike Force Churnwood and following inquiries, a 14-year-old boy was arrested at a home in Bourke about 1pm on Friday 15 October.

A search warrant was executed at the home, with investigators seizing items relevant to the investigation.

The teenager was taken to Bourke Police Station and charged with two counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling in company, two counts of drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and breach of bail.

A second teenager – aged 15 – was arrested a home at Bourke just before 10.30pm on Friday.

He was also taken to Bourke Police Station and charged with two counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling in company, two counts of be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, and breach of bail.

Both teenagers were refused bail and appeared at a children’s court on Saturday 16 October, where they were granted conditional bail to reappear at a children’s court today (Monday 18 October).

A third teenager – aged 14 – was arrested at a home at Brewarrina about 9pm on Saturday (16 October) and taken to Bourke Police Station.

The teen was charged with aggravated break and enter dwelling in company, be carried in conveyance without consent of owner, and breach of bail.

He was refused bail and appeared before a children’s court yesterday (Sunday 17 October), where he was granted conditional bail to also reappear at a children’s court today (Monday 18 October).

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