15-Year-Old Boy Arrested Over Alleged Thefts of Several Maitland Homes and Businesses

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A teenage boy has been charged following several alleged aggravated break and enter offences in the Maitland area.

Police commenced investigations in June, following an increase in property-related crime in Maitland, Rutherford and Aberglasslyn.

Following inquiries, police arrested a 15-year-old boy at an Aberglaysslyn home at around 12.30pm on Monday June 9th.

Police allege the teenager was involved in three separate break and enter offences:

• On Thursday 16 April 2020, a business on High Street, Maitland, was allegedly broken into, where more than $16,000 worth of mountain bikes were stolen and extensive damage was caused to the shopfront.
• On Thursday 30 April 2020, a school on Weblands Street, Rutherford, was allegedly broken into and several iPads were stolen.
• On Monday 22 June 2020, a fast food restaurant on Arthur Street, Rutherford, was allegedly broken into, where a sum of cash was taken and the store suffered significant damage.

The teenage boy was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with three counts of aggravated break and enter in company with intent to steal.

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday 17 July 2020.

Investigations under Operation Golding are continuing, with further arrests anticipated.

Police Investigate Aggravated Break And Enter At Denman

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley Police are searching for a man and woman who allegedly assaulted a man during an early morning break-in at Denman.

Police say the 22-year-old man was asleep inside a unit on Virginia Street at about 12.30am on Tuesday when he was woken by a man and a woman - one was armed with a baseball bat.

The pair demanded money before the man assaulted the 22-year-old resident.

They left in a vehicle a short time later.

Police set up a crime scene and investigations are continuing.

Police say the alleged victim suffered minor injuries and did not require treatment.