A 15-year-old boy has been charged over a violent overnight crime spree that terrorised residents across Ballina, East Ballina and Skennars Head, including a home invasion involving an elderly woman.

Police confirmed the teenager was arrested following investigations under Operation Soteria, after a series of alleged break-ins, car thefts and threats carried out in the early hours.

Police allege the offences occurred between 1am and 3am yesterday and involved multiple homes across the Ballina area.

Elderly woman threatened in her home

The most serious incident is alleged to have occurred about 3.15am, when police were called to a home on Canal Road, Ballina.

Police say a group of males forced entry into the home and threatened the sole occupant, a woman aged 87.

Electronics and jewellery were allegedly stolen before the group fled the scene.

No physical injuries were reported.

Luxury cars stolen, homes targeted

Earlier, police allege a Porsche SUV was stolen from a home on Norton Street, Ballina, and a BMW SUV was stolen from a home in Skennars Head.

At about 2.15am, car keys and a wallet were allegedly stolen from a home on Pacific Terrace, East Ballina.

Minutes later, a group of males allegedly attempted to break into a home on Shelly Beach Road, Ballina, but were unable to gain entry.

Police established crime scenes at all locations and began interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence.

The stolen BMW was later located abandoned in bushland near Kempsey and seized for forensic examination.

Teen arrested, faces 13 charges

Following further inquiries, police executed search warrants at homes in Greenhills and West Kempsey.

A 15-year-old youth was arrested at the Greenhills address and taken to Kempsey Police Station.

He was charged with 13 offences, including:

• aggravated break and enter in company
• armed with intent to commit an indictable offence
• aggravated serious indictable offence in a dwelling using violence
• common assault
• taking and driving a vehicle without consent
• dishonestly obtaining property by deception
• destroying or damaging property

The teenager was refused bail and is due to appear before a Children’s Court today.

No word at this stage on the other persons allegedly involved, however police say investigations under are continuing.

Earlier story: https://ballinanewsdaily.com.au/2025/12/from-break-ins-to-pursuits-how-a-night-of-crime-unravelled-across-ballina/

Main image, security camera images taken from one of the homes targeted in Skennars Head, (source: Ballina Crime Reports/Facebook)