Operation Countdown, a strike force targeting break and enters in north-western Sydney, raided the house in Mary Street following a tip-off that items recently stolen from a road works compound site had been stashed at the rear of the house.

During the search warrant at 2.45pm on Wednesday, November 11, police allegedly located 756 cans of spray paint of various colours, 91 marker pens, tools, a circular saw and other construction items in a garden shed in the backyard. The seized property has an estimated value of $10,000.

Police will allege the items were stolen from the compound site on the Great Western Highway, Lawson, around October 28 this year.

“After the break in where items belonging to the construction company were stolen, police in the Blue Mountains area noted there was more graffiti on public and private property,” said North West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford.

“This is a tremendous effort by Operation Countdown which for the past five months has continued to target break, enter and steal offences and offenders. There is no job too big or small for this proactive strike force and yesterday's haul proves this.”

Member for Blue Mountains Phil Koperberg congratulated local police on the major graffiti bust.

“While the stash found by police has an estimated street value of approximately $10,000, one can only imagine how many thousands more worth of damages these stolen goods could have done,” he said.

“The best news for our local community is that these 754 cans of spray won’t end up on our fences.

A 16-year-old was arrested at the Lawson house after the raid had commenced and was taken to Springwood Police Station about 5pm. He was charged with break, enter and steal and goods in custody.

Following further police inquiries, a 15-year-old boy attended Springwood Police Station about 10pm with his mother and was later charged with break, enter and steal and goods in custody.

Both were granted bail to appear before Parramatta Children’s Court on Friday, December 4.