ACT Police has released vision of several dramatic arrests as they mark a significant milestone as part of Operation TORIC.
Operation TORIC, which targets repeat offenders, recorded its 500th apprehension this week, arresting a man hiding in the boot of a car at Florey.
The man faced court on Tuesday, August 6, charged with breach of parole and possession of a prohibited weapon. Authorities expect additional charges to follow.
The vision also shows an offender curled up under a bed, with police removing a mattress and wooden slats to pull him out.
Operation TORIC, launched in August 2022, has been instrumental in apprehending individuals involved in motor vehicle thefts, burglaries, robberies, and associated dangerous driving within the ACT.
The operation has laid over 1,470 charges against repeat offenders, including 200 individuals who were on bail at the time of their arrest and 118 who were under conditions such as Good Behaviour Orders, Intensive Corrections Orders, or parole.
Continuing its proactive approach, Operation TORIC recently apprehended a 16-year-old boy for serious driving offences and a 35-year-old man for making threats to kill and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Detective Acting Inspector Jason Dziubinski, Officer in Charge of Operation TORIC, emphasised the operation’s success in reducing crime.
“Operation TORIC has been incredibly successful in targeting offences such as motor vehicle theft and dangerous driving, contributing to making the Canberra community safer,” Detective Acting Inspector Dziubinski said.
“These offences place innocent members of the community at risk, not just those who are engaged in dangerous, criminal behaviour.
“Our apprehension numbers from Operation TORIC indicate these offences are trending down, with around 300 apprehensions in TORIC’s first year, and around 200 in the past year.
“While apprehension numbers have dropped year-on-year, this likely indicates reduced incidents of offending, in tandem with the fact that individuals engaged in these acts have been arrested and put before the courts.”
Police are urging anyone with information about stolen motor vehicles or other criminal activities to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or through the Crime Stoppers ACT website.
