A teenager has been charged as investigations continue into the destruction of a school bus at Maitland last week.
Officers attached to the Port Stephens Proactive Crime Team commenced an investigation following reports of damage at Chelmsford Drive, Metford, on the night of November 15.
Police will allege a group of youths were seen on CCTV scaling a security fence about 8pm before approaching a bus, which was locked and parked on the premises.
The group allegedly broke into the bus, causing extensive damage estimated to be in excess of $30,000, by allegedly smashing the dashboard and windows with the vehicle's emergency hammer and releasing the contents of a fire extinguisher.
A 13-year-old boy was arrested at a Metford home about 4.30pm on Thursday.
He was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with 11 offences, including six counts of entering prescribed premises of any person without a lawful excuse, three counts of destroying or damaging property and one count each of entering a building/land with intent to commit an indictable offence and behaving in an offensive manner in/near a public place/school.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children's court on December 16.
Investigations are continuing.
IN THE NEWS:
- Listen to our new audio briefings on your smart speaker
- RTBU calls on NSW Premier to halt testing of $2b intercity train fleet after report flags safety concerns
- Maitland hospital at 'crisis point' after doctor training ban
- NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian axes Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack over vote
- Port Stephens Hunter police on alert for Schoolies celebrations in Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay
