A 35-year-old man from Phillip became Operation Toric’s 400th apprehension in 18 months when he was arrested on Thursday in relation to 37 charges following a prolonged investigation.  

The Operation Toric taskforce targets recidivist offending and dangerous driving in the ACT.

Police say that on the morning of December 21, two vehicles – a white Hyundai Santa Fe SUV and a silver Nissan Qashqai SUV – were allegedly stolen from a home on Robertson Street, Curtin.

The following evening, police spotted the Nissan being driven at dangerous speeds southbound on the Tuggeranong Parkway. Police attempted to speak to the driver near a residence in Kambah, however the vehicle fled. Around this time, the Hyundai was near the Kambah residence, however it failed to stop for police.

Police also believe the Hyundai was involved in a petrol drive off from a Nicholls service station on January 2.

On Thursday, police swooped on the Kambah residence and arrested the 35-year-old man.

He has been charged with 37 offences, including driving a stolen motor vehicle (16 charges), driving while suspended (16 charges), minor theft, possession of stolen property and drug possession.

Since its inception in August 2022, 402 offenders have been apprehended by Operation Toric, resulting in 1105 charges being laid.

Of those apprehended, 57 were the subject of good behaviour orders, 164 were on bail, 24 were on parole, and 60 were subject to arrest warrants.