Two teenagers have been arrested and charged following a dramatic early-morning break-in and ute crash in Rutherford, as police intensify efforts under Operation Soteria.
Just after 1am, concerned residents alerted police to a ute being driven erratically through Ventura Close. Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District rushed to the scene, where they discovered the ute had collided with a parked car.
Police quickly located and arrested a 17-year-old boy on Ryan Street and a 15-year-old boy on Ventura Close. Investigations revealed the ute had been stolen from a local home shortly before the crash.
The 17-year-old was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with multiple offences, including aggravated break and enter, stealing a motor vehicle, and negligent driving. He was granted conditional bail and is due to face the Children’s Court on Thursday, 12 June 2025.
The 15-year-old was charged with breaching bail and was refused bail to face court today.
Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing under the state-wide Operation Soteria, which targets property crime and youth offending.
Stay with MHV News for further updates.