Seven teens, already arrested 190 times, charged over burglaries and car thefts

Police established Operation Minlaton to investigate recent burglaries and car thefts. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Seven teenagers who had already been arrested more than 190 times have now been charged over a string of burglaries and stolen vehicles across Canberra.

About 200 vehicles in the Territory have been reported as stolen since the start of 2025, an ACT Policing spokesperson said.

In response, police established Operation Minlaton in early February. Since then, police have identified more than 12 teenagers and one young adult who have allegedly been involved in multiple thefts.

As part of the investigations, four teenagers were arrested between 20 and 27 February, while another three teenagers were arrested on 28 February.

“Police allege the group would enter homes via unlocked doors in groups and steal car keys and other items before driving off in the stolen vehicles,” the police spokesperson said.

“In some instances, alleged offenders in the stolen vehicles would attempt to evade police, speeding and driving dangerously before they were apprehended.”

The seven have been handed various charges, including driving stolen motor vehicles, failing to stop for police, aggravated burglary and driving offences.

Six have been remanded in custody while one was granted bail.

The police spokesperson said all of them came to police attention for similar offences and all were on bail or subject to good behaviour orders when they were arrested.

“The alleged offenders have been apprehended by police more than 190 times, and one boy has been charged in relation to more than 70 offences,” they said.

Detective Acting Inspector Heidi Wright alleged the group was mostly opportunistic, but were targeting high-end vehicles when they could.

“While property crime, including thefts, is one of the most common crimes committed in Canberra – there are things we can do to make it harder for thieves,” she said.

“Lock your doors and windows even when you’re home.

“Don’t leave your car keys in an obvious spot in your home and don’t leave an unsecured key outside your home.”