Mother and son charged over break-in spree targeting Western Sydney businesses
A woman and her teenage son have been charged over a string of break-ins targeting businesses across Western Sydney during the past three weeks.
Police said almost 40 businesses were broken into between May 13 and June 4.
Police will allege a 42-year-old woman coordinated the break-ins, targeting businesses including cafes and takeaways, barbers, and supermarkets.
Two 18-year-old men, one of them being the woman's son, are accused of helping with the break-ins.
The woman and one of the teenagers were arrested outside a supermarket in White Cross Road in Winmalee on Wednesday.
Police will allege the man was armed with a hammer and was arrested after smashing the glass window multiple times, and that the 42-year-old coordinated the break, enter and steal campaign.
The teenager has been charged with breaking and entering, as well as breaching bail.
He has been refused bail and is expected to appear before Penrith Local Court on Thursday.
The woman, who was arrested in a car nearby, has been charged breaking and entering, driving with a suspended licence, as well as possessing a prohibited drug.
She is also expected to face Penrith Local Court on Thursday.
The other 18-year-old man — the 42-year-old woman's son — was arrested about 10am on Wednesday at a home in Sorensen Crescent, Blackett.
He was charged with breaking and entering and granted conditional bail, appearing before court on Wednesday.
A Suzuki Swift, which police will allege was the car used in all operations, has been seized and taken for further examination.
Superintendent Trent King said the break-ins had taken a huge toll on targeted businesses.
"We're talking damage in excess of $150,000, and for local businesses, that is a huge impact," he said.
"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."
Strike Force Allanson was set up by police on May 26, with Superintendent King praising the work done by officers.
"I would say this investigation has been outstanding," he said.
"The work done by police to, in a very short period of time, identify and arrest people associated with those offences has been nothing short of remarkable."
Superintendent King said all the alleged crimes happened between 3am and 5am and were executed with a "combination of luck as well as coordination".
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