Police hit teenagers with 45 charges after alleged drunken crime spree in Mt Barker

Three juveniles have been hit with a string of charges after an alleged drunken crime spree police say caused more than $5000 in damage in Mt Barker.

Two 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old have been charged with 45 offences, including 22 counts of criminal damage and five counts of burglary.

From about 8.40pm on September 18 until 2am the next morning, police say the trio were involved in “a range of offences exacerbated by intoxication”.

Mt Barker police officer-in-charge Sergeant David Johnson said buildings and vehicles were damaged.

He said the spree ended with the juveniles stealing a defibrillator from the town’s St John Ambulance sub-centre. The defibrillator was found smashed in an alleyway.

CCTV footage helped identify the suspects and police executed a search warrant at a home.

During the search, police found 12 videos on an alleged offender’s phone which they say shows some of their criminal behaviour.

Sgt Johnson said he was disappointed by the alleged vandalism as the community had worked hard to ensure the town was a safe and vibrant place.

“Youth crime is not simply a police issue alone, so in that regard Mt Barker police will continue to work at a local level with those involved and assist in linking them with partner agencies within the district,” he said.

“This type of behaviour is extremely rare in Mt Barker and this incident was certainly unexpected.

“I want to thank the local community for their support and I praise my staff for how quickly we identified and charged these offenders.”