Two people have been charged following investigations into an alleged string of thefts across the Tamworth area earlier this month.
In 2018, officers from Oxley Target Action Group formed Operation Southbreak to investigate thefts across the region.
As part of their investigations, officers commenced inquiries into reports a man and woman were stealing handbags and other personal property from shopping malls, carparks and motels across Tamworth from January 3 to 10.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators arrested a 27-year-old man at a home in Quinn Street, Tamworth, about 6.15am on Friday.
He was taken to Tamworth Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of larceny, three counts of receiving/disposing of stolen property, and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.
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The man was refused bail and appeared at Tamworth Local Court on Friday, where he was granted conditional bail to appear before the same court on Monday.
Following further inquiries, a 26-year-old woman was arrested following a vehicle stop on Peel Street, Tamworth, about 4.30pm on Monday.
During a search of the vehicle, police seized several handbags, a car key and $9,500 in cash.
She was taken to Tamworth Police Station, where she was charged with 13 offences, including:
goods in personal custody suspected being stolen,
receive/dispose of stolen property,
two counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception,
two counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage,
larceny,
four counts of possessing prohibited drug, and
two counts of dealing with property proceeds of crime.
The woman was refused bail and appeared at Tamworth Local Court yesterday, where she was refused bail to appear before the same court on Monday.
Investigations under Operation Southbreak continue.
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