Teen charged over break and enters

A teenage boy has been charged over multiple alleged break and enters on the Central Coast as part of Operation Soteria.

Officers from Brisbane Water Police District commenced an investigation after receiving a report that four males were allegedly seen to enter the front yard of a home in Nelson St, Umina Beach, at about 11.40pm on Wednesday, August 20.

They were challenged by an occupant, before they fled the scene.

About 15 minutes later, they allegedly attempted to open the front door of a home in Nelson St, but left when unable to gain access.

At 12.30am on Thursday (21 August 2025), it will be alleged the males broke into a home on Lagoon St, Ettalong Beach, via a side access door.

The 75-year-old female occupant of the home was approached by the males who allegedly demanded property.

When the woman refused they left.

Five minutes later the males allegedly broken into a unit in Barrenjoey Rd, Ettalong Beach, where a 69-year-old woman was threatened with a knife and the car keys of two vehicles were stolen.

The males ran from the scene when another occupant in the home – a 77-year-old man – became aware of what was occurring.

During the incidents the males were wearing face coverings.

Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested a 15-year-old teenage boy at a home in Umina Beach.

He was taken to Gosford Police Station and charged with five offences and refused bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday, August 22.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Operation Soteria is a strategic initiative focusing on aggravated break, enter and steal offences, stealing motor vehicles, and ‘post and boast’ offences where social media is used to gain notoriety.