WITH the community having been so thrilled to hear that arrests had been made over the recent break-ins throughout Bombala, it seems that the rumour mill has gone into overdrive, with more and more people being arrested with each new story.

The Bombala Times can confirm that as of Monday this week, there had still only been two Bega men arrested in relation to the crimes.

Detective Sergeant Winterflood of Bega says that there has been some confusion due to similar crimes taking place in surrounding coastal towns, and one offender breaking his bail conditions and being re-arrested.

Detective Winterflood explains that originally a search warrant was carried out at a 22 year old Bega man’s home on November 5, where police located a quantity of clothing and hair products.

It was established that these items came from Bombala businesses, BKM Clothing and Hair on Main Street, with the 22 year old being interviewed and charged with three of the break and enters.

These were the attacks on BKM, Tableland Motors and Cottrell Motors, and the man was also later charged with receiving the goods from Hair on Main.

Through the interviews with this first suspect, police then identified a 21 year old man, also of Bega, who was interviewed and charged with five of the local break and enters.

He was allegedly involved in the three mentioned above, as well as the break ins at Maybe Furniture and Platypus Crash Repairs.

Both of the men were granted bail and were to attend court in Bega on December 8, but the original 22 year old offender broke his bail conditions and was re-arrested.

Police also found further stolen items in his possession from crimes committed in Bega and Pambula, and the man was due to attend court on Monday this week.

Detective Winterflood explains that the vehicle stolen from Cottrell Motors in the most recent break and enter was found near the Bega Hospital, still loaded with stolen property.

All property has since been returned to the businesses involved.

The investigation into the recent crimes in Bombala continues, with several break and enters still not solved. Those who have any information are encouraged to contact Bega Police Station on 6492 9999.