Police have charged two youths, aged 13 and 14, during a blitz on break and enter offences at Armidale in the state’s New England region.

Around 1.30am yesterday (Tuesday 24 February), police from the New England Local Area Command pulled over a blue Holden sedan in Kirkwood Street, Armidale.

The vehicle stop occurred a short time after a reported home break-in nearby Niagara Street.

When officers searched the car, they allegedly found a number of stolen goods, including mobile phones, stashed under the front passenger seat.

A 13-year-old youth was arrested and charged with Break, Enter and Steal; and denied bail by a court yesterday afternoon.

Detectives also travelled to an Armidale address yesterday afternoon and arrested a 14-year-old youth over the alleged possession of house breaking implements in connection with an incident last year.

That teenager has been charged, refused police bail and ordered to appear in court today.

The arrests follow the apprehension and charging of a 44-year-old man with the unrelated possession of house breaking implements and prohibited weapons at the weekend.

Police have announced a crackdown on break and enter offences in the New England area.

Local Area Commander, Fred Trench, says the three arrests in as many days show police are serious about addressing burglaries in the district.

“We’re pulling out all stops to catch those responsible but we need the community’s help,” Superintendent Trench said.

“If you spot suspicious behaviour in your neighbourhood, tell us about it,” he said.

“You can also help by ensuring your home is not a tempting target for burglars by reviewing your security measures.”

Anyone with information about break-in offences in the New England area is urged to contact Armidale Police on (02) 6771 0699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.