A Hobart teenager was “primarily acting alone” when he allegedly broke into several homes and stole multiple cars over the last month, Police say.
The 17-year-old is alleged to have entered unlocked homes across the eastern shore with the goal of stealing car keys, which he later used to steal the vehicles.
Detective Sergeant Felicity Boyd said this incident is “unrelated” to a near-identical crime spree earlier in the month that saw 17-year-old and 19-year-old brothers charged.
The teenager was arrested on Friday morning and charged with 10 driving-while-disqualified offences, 8 motor vehicle thefts and 7 home burglaries.
He is also facing charges for setting fire to a stolen vehicle, reckless driving and dangerous driving after allegedly driving at speeds of “close to 200 km/h” while recording himself on a mobile phone – twice.
“Unfortunately the reality is that insecure homes and vehicles are targets for criminals, and we cannot be any clearer about the importance of people keeping their cars and houses locked – even when at home,” Boyd said.
The teenager will appear in a Youth Court at the Hobart Magistrates Court.
