A teenager has been charged over the alleged break-and-enter last week of a doctor’s residence attached to Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service.

Officers from Central North Police District responded to reports at about 11.15pm last Thursday of a SUV allegedly being driven erratically in Walgett.

It will be alleged that upon locating the SUV officers attempted to stop the vehicle and, when the driver allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit was terminated a short time later for safety reasons.

Officers located the vehicle in Myall Street where it was seized for forensic examination.

Inquiries established that the vehicle had been stolen from a residential premises belonging to a medical facility on Naomi Street about 10pm that evening.

Police will allege a doctor and sole occupant – a 73-year-old man – was inside the home when four people broke into the premises and threatened the man before leaving the location with his mobile phone, wallet and the keys to the vehicle.

It will be alleged the group was driven from the scene by a 14-year-old boy.

Walgett Shire Council mayor Jasen Ramien said in a statement, he was deeply shocked and disgusted by the attack.

“A locum doctor who was serving our community was held at knifepoint, had their vehicle stolen and home invaded. This is not only an attack on a vital health service – it is an attack on our entire community,” Cr Ramien said.

“WAMS is the backbone of healthcare in our region, providing critical services that would otherwise require months of waiting or long-distance travel.

“We are ashamed that this kind of violence is happening in our town. The actions of a few are putting the lives and wellbeing of many at risk.

“To those responsible: when you or your family need urgent medical care, remember that you targeted the very people who are here to help.

“This cycle of violence cannot continue. We are also seeing an increase in incidents where these offenders themselves are being injured. If you believe you are protecting them, you are enabling behaviour that could cost them their lives,” he said.

At about 2.30pm on Friday, officers arrested a 14-year-old boy.

He was taken to Walgett Police Station and charged with aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, and police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 14 July 2025.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.

“We thank the local Police for their swift response and continued efforts, but this is not a problem they can solve alone. It is up to all of us, as a community, to say enough is enough,” Cr Ramien said.