A 42-year-old mother has been arrested for allegedly masterminding a string of break-ins across western Sydney, having recruited her teenage son and his friend to carry out the smash-and-grab attacks.
Police allege the three-week crime spree, which targeted almost 40 small businesses and caused $150,000 in damage, was disrupted at 3am on Wednesday when an 18-year-old man was caught using a hammer to smash the windows of a supermarket on Whitecross Road in Winmalee.
Police allege the 42-year-old mother masterminded the three-week crime spree, which targeted almost 40 small businesses and caused $150,000 worth of damage.Credit: NSW Police
The woman, who was found in a parked car nearby, was also arrested. Later in the morning, her 18-year-old son was taken into custody in Blackett. Charges are yet to be laid against the trio.
“It will be alleged that the 42-year-old woman co-ordinated this particular offence, utilising young men to assist her with the offences,” Detective Superintendent Trent King said.
The targets spanned western Sydney from Parramatta to the Blue Mountains, and saw youths using hammers to smash windows and doors and steal goods, cash and personal items.
Police seized a Suzuki Swift, which they allege was the car used in all the organised groups’ operations.
The woman’s 18-year-old son was also arrested.Credit: NSW Police
King said it was mostly small businesses impacted, including cafes, takeaway shops, barbers and grocers.
“We’re talking damage in excess of $150,000, and for local businesses, that is a huge impact. I’ve personally spoken to a number of the people who are victims of this particular offence, and I do know the impact that it’s had on their livelihood.”
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