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Byron Shire
July 12, 2026

Twenty charged with car thefts, break-ins and fraud

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Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District have charged a youth with a string of offences following investigations into car theft, house break-ins, and fraud offences across Northern NSW.

In the early hours of Sunday 24 and Monday 25 March 2019, a large number of homes and vehicles in the Kingscliff and Casuarina areas were broken into and had property stolen. Two Audi motor vehicles and a Landcruiser were also stolen.

In February this year, police formed Operation Marauder to investigate the thefts. The operation has so far seen 20 people charged with more than 70 offences.

The latest arrest came yesterday (Wednesday, 27 February, 2020) when a 17-year-old male attended Tweed Heads Police Station with his guardian.

He was charged with 17 offences including:

  • Enter dwelling with intent-steal (x2)
  • Steal motor vehicle (x2)
  • Drive conveyance taken without consent of owner (x2),
  • Be carried in conveyance taken without consent (x3)
  • Larceny (x2)
  • Fraud
  • Dispose property stolen outside NSW (x2)
  • Driver never held licence (x3)

He has been refused bail and will appear in a children’s court at Tweed Heads today (Thursday 27 February 2020).



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Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.

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Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.  

Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.