Five Charged in the Macleay Following Police Operation

Mid North Coast Police District have charged five people as a result of Operation Pillapai.

The operation took place between 6pm Thursday last week, and 3am Friday

It targeted break and enter offences, drug offences, illegal and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Kempsey Detectives, Target Action Group and general duties officers from Mid North Coast Police District were assisted by the Dog Unit and Traffic and Highway Patrol officers throughout the operation.

A 36-year-old woman was arrested following a vehicle stop in West Kempsey. She has been charged with aggravated break, enter and steal, fraud offences, goods in custody and possess house breaking implements.

Another incident saw a 30-year-old woman charged with possessing prohibited drugs, following a separate vehicle stop, on Macleay Valley Way, Kempsey.

On top of that, officers sighted a Ford XR8 utility that allegedly had no registration plates, driving down Smithtown Road, Bellimbopinnie. The car failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated, with the utility allegedly reaching speeds of 170km/h. Police terminated the pursuit for safety reasons.

The man, aged 35, attempted to flee on foot, and was arrested a short time later in Scotts Head. He was charged with fail to stop police pursuit (Skye’s Law) and unlicensed driving and was refused bail to appear in Kempsey Local Court.

Other charges laid include a Field Court Attendance Notice for disqualified driving and shop lifting offences.

Investigations by Operation Pillapai will continue and further charges are expected. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.