Ochre Wood, the man widely spoken about as “Ballina’s most wanted,” is in custody after being arrested in West Ballina yesterday afternoon.

Wood was taken into custody about 4.30pm at a property in Westlands Place. 

The arrest of a key police suspect comes as a relief to many people living on rural properties, particularly those across the Plateau and South Ballina who have endured weeks of heightened fear.

Community response after a tense month

Plateau Macadamia farmer Peter Collocott, who helped organise a crime summit in Ballina three weeks ago, said residents had been increasingly anxious.

“People have been ringing me asking what the hell was going on,” he said.

 “There was frustration when the tactical response team left town. 

“Tonight’s news gives people some confidence again.”

Mr Collocott said the community still needed to remain alert.

“Now is when we stay vigilant. You don’t stop once you get a breakthrough.”

He praised police for their persistence.

“A wonderful job from the Rural Crime Prevention officers in particular.  A lot of their hard work has finally paid off.”

Mayor Cadwallader urges vigilance

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, who contacted NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon last month seeking additional support, thanked officers for their work and urged residents not to relax.

“I want to extend my gratitude to our outstanding police officers,” she said. 

Cr Cadwallader said the recent crime wave had affected far more than the South Ballina peninsula.

“It was felt widely across the Plateau and Lennox.  We’re not used to this in Ballina Shire, and we never will be.”

Heading into the holidays, Cr Cadwallader encouraged simple safety measures.

“Unfortunately the arrest of one alleged suspect does not mean this problem has passed.”

“Don’t leave keys out, don’t leave doors unlocked, and don’t advertise that you’re away over Christmas and New Year.

“Be cyber-safe.  Use security cameras if you can.  Don’t leave parcels unattended.”

She said some of the recent incidents had shaken residents.

“Some of the stories were harrowing.  This spate of property theft and intimidation has been unacceptable.”

Ballina News Daily does not suggest Ochre Wood is responsible for any crime, only that he has been arrested and charged by police for alleged offences.

New police details released today

Police have confirmed additional information about yesterday’s arrest.

Officers said Wood was treated in hospital overnight for an old arm injury, but has since been released from medical care.

They confirmed he will face court today charged with 36 offences after a series of operations by Richmond and Tweed-Byron police, including incidents around  Ballina and Mullumbimby areas between October and December 2025.

In November, Rural Crime Investigators established Operation Philvor to examine linked offences and locate Wood.

At one point a police vehicle was allegedly rammed.

Following extensive inquiries, police surrounded a home at Westlands Place yesterday afternoon, arresting the man as he allegedly tried to leave.

Seven outstanding warrants were executed, relating to alleged assault and several alleged property and traffic offences.

He was refused bail to appear in Bail Court today.

Previous Ballina News Daily coverage of the rural crime issue

• We’re sitting ducks  https://ballinanewsdaily.com.au/2025/11/were-sitting-ducks-fear-grows-as-fugitive-keeps-slipping-through-police-net/

• Police reinforcements deployed as hunt for fugitive intensifies  https://ballinanewsdaily.com.au/2025/11/police-reinforcements-deployed-as-hunt-for-fugitive-intensifies/

  Riot squad support call-out as media removed from closed-door Ballina crime meeting  https://ballinanewsdaily.com.au/2025/11/riot-squad-support-call-out-as-media-removed-from-closed-door-ballina-crime-meeting/

  Rural crime surge prompts meeting between farmers and police  https://ballinanewsdaily.com.au/2025/11/rural-crime-surge-prompts-meeting-between-farmers-and-police/