WATCH: What you gonna do when they come for you? ACT Policing releases video of hiding spot fails

A still from video footage of ACT Policing finding a man hiding in a car boot. Photo: ACT Policing.

In the two years since it was established, Operation TORIC has laid more than 1470 charges targeting recidivist offenders involved in motor vehicle thefts, burglaries, robberies, associated dangerous driving and other crimes in the ACT.

Of those charged, 200 were on bail at the time of their arrest, while 118 were subject to conditions such as good behaviour orders, intensive corrections orders, or parole.

As part of the operation, ACT Policing made their 500th arrest earlier this month after finding a man hiding in a car boot during a traffic stop in Florey.

They have released video footage of that arrest and others – including of a man found hiding under a bed – to highlight the success of Operation TORIC.

Officer in Charge of Operation TORIC, Detective Acting Inspector Jason Dziubinski, said police would continue to target this type of offending.

“Operation TORIC has been incredibly successful in targeting offences such as motor vehicle theft and dangerous driving, contributing to making the Canberra community safer,” Detective Acting Inspector Dziubinski said.

“These offences place innocent members of the community at risk, not just those who are engaged in dangerous, criminal behaviour.

“Our apprehension numbers from Operation TORIC indicate these offences are trending down, with around 300 apprehensions in TORIC’s first year and around 200 in the past year.

“While apprehension numbers have dropped year-on-year, this likely indicates reduced incidents of offending, in tandem with the fact that individuals engaged in these acts have been arrested and put before the courts.”

Operation TORIC focuses on strategies to break the cycle of recidivist behaviour and reoffending.

Police urge anyone who may have information regarding stolen motor vehicles or other offences to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.