On Friday 19 June 2015 five youths aged between 13 and 16 years were taken into police custody in relation to a number of burglaries and stealings which have been committed in the Devonport Division in recent weeks.

Members of the Devonport Criminal Investigation Branch jointly charged a 13 year old and 15 year old youth in relation to a Motor Vehicle Stealing, Unlicensed driving and no helmet.

A 15 year old youth and a 13 year old youth were jointly charged in relation to a stealing and a Relevant Contravention (breaching bail).

A 16 year old youth was charged with Motor Vehicle Stealing x 10, Stealing x 8, Burglary x 9, Aggravated Burglary x 3, Attempted Motor Vehicle Stealing, Attempted Stealing, Unlicensed Driving x 10, and Relevant Contraventions x 15.

Four of the youths appeared in an out of hours court at the Devonport Magistrates Court on Friday 19 June 2015.

Two youths were remanded to Ashleys Detention Centre to reappear at 2.15 pm Monday 22 June 2015.  Two youths were bailed with conditions.

A fifth youth appeared in an out of hours court on Saturday 20 June 2015.  He was remanded to appear at 2.15 pm Monday 22 June 2015.

On Monday 22 June 2015 two of the youths were further remanded and one was granted bail with conditions.

The majority of the motor vehicle stealings and traffic offences related to the stealing of motor bikes and riding them on public streets.  This behaviour poses a risk to the youths and the general public.

Police would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the public for their assistance.

If anyone witnessed a motor bike being ridden in a dangerous manner in the vicinity of Formby and Valley Roads on the afternoon of Friday 19 June 2015 to contact Devonport Criminal Investigation Branch on 6478 4036.