Rodney Stevens
A Maclean mother and son are still recovering after up to 5 men, who are still at large, forced their way into their home last month armed with a machete and a knife before demanding car keys and assaulting the man.
This follows similar incidents in Grafton and Casino in the past month involving teenagers stealing cars after invading homes, prompting calls from both State Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, and Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, for a crackdown on youth crime and reforms to the legal system to prevent young offenders from repeatedly being released on bail.
The CV Independent was advised about the home invasion at Maclean, the weapons involved, the assault on the son and the motive behind the crime, to steal the Mercedes Benz, so we contacted NSW Police with a series of questions.
Last Friday morning, NSW Police contacted the CV Independent and provided a statement about the incident at Maclean, which they said would be issued shortly to other media.
About 6am on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, police were called to a home on Roderick Street, Maclean, following reports of a break and enter, the statement said.
Ironically, this horrifying incident occurred on the same day that Coffs Clarence Police District Superintendent, Joanne Schultz, Detective Inspector Aaron Van-Schaik, and Crime Prevention Officer, Senior Constable Peter Ziesig, plus Richie Williamson gathered in Maclean just hours later to address crime concerns with locals at an event organised by the Maclean District Business Chamber.
Police have been told that up to five people forced entry to the home and confronted the occupant, a 48-year-old man, demanding the keys to a Mercedes parked in the driveway.
The man was then assaulted by the group – who were armed with a machete and a knife – resulting in facial and hand injuries.
The house was ransacked with a 73-year-old woman also threatened by the group, demanding keys.
The group then left the home, taking two wallets and cash.
Police from Coffs/Clarence Police District were notified and attended.
A crime scene was established and forensically examined.
As inquiries into the incident continue, police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Coffs Harbour police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.