Operation Soteria crime blitz leads to 11 arrests in regional NSW

Operation Soteria, a three-day high-visibility police blitz conducted from September 9 to September 11, resulted in 11 arrests and multiple charges across the Oxley Police District and Western Region. The operation involved several units, including the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Youth Command.

Key incidents included the arrest of a 34-year-old man in West Tamworth for stalking, intimidation, and carrying a knife, as well as a 21-year-old man in Kootingal charged with 13 offences, including nine counts of common assault related to domestic violence. During the operation, officers conducted 19 person searches, 31 bail and domestic violence order checks, and seized three knives.

In addition to enforcement, the Youth Command visited three schools to engage with more than 160 students as part of a recruitment and community outreach effort.