A teenage boy has been charged in connection with a string of burglaries that occurred across Warwickshire on New Year's Day, following an intervention by armed officers.
Early Morning Crime Spree Reported
Warwickshire Police stated they first began receiving reports of break-ins in the Leamington and Warwick area from around 5am on Thursday, January 1. The initial call concerned a commercial property, with three subsequent reports relating to residential homes being targeted.
Stolen Vehicle Tracked and Stopped
During one of the incidents, a Ford Focus was stolen. A multi-unit police operation involving traffic officers, armed response teams, dog units, patrol officers, and CCTV operators was launched to locate the vehicle.
The coordinated effort led to the car being found on the A46, where it was brought to a stop using tactical methods. A male occupant was arrested at the scene.
Multiple Charges for Warwick Teenager
A 14-year-old boy from Warwick, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to his age, has been charged with a series of offences. The charges include:
- Three counts of burglary of a dwelling
- One count of burglary of a non-dwelling
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Dangerous driving
- Driving without insurance
- Driving whilst disqualified
Police clarified that driving bans can be imposed on individuals under 16. While they cannot legally hold a licence until they are 17, the ban formally begins at that point. If the individual drives before then, it is treated as an aggravating factor.
The teenager has been bailed with strict conditions and is scheduled to appear at youth court in Coventry on Thursday, January 8. Officers will conduct checks at a relevant address over the coming week to ensure compliance with bail terms.
Warwickshire Police thanked the local community for their swift reporting of the incidents, which aided the investigation. They remind the public to report burglaries immediately by calling 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.
