Allegedly Stolen Goods Worth $50,000 Uncovered at Belmont

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police have discovered a stockpile of stolen goods at Lake Macquarie believed to be worth roughly $50,000.

Detectives investigating a string of alleged copper thefts across the region searched a Belmont home two weeks ago, on Wednesday, September 25.

Officers discovered more than 50 allegedly stolen items during the search of the Arlington Street home, including a field line marker, floor sander, concrete cutter, high pressure cleaner and ceiling projector.

Police are now hoping to identify the owners of the stolen items.

Anyone with information about the thefts or who believes the items may belong to them can contact Belmont Police Station on 4922 8899.

Copper Thieves Target Teralba Coal Plant

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

Four people have been arrested and are facing multiple charges after allegedly trespassing on a coal plant at Teralba on Monday night.

At about 11:30, Lake Macquarie Police responded to reports several people had entered the premises on Powerhouse Road.

Officers set up a perimeter and called in the Police Dog unit to find three men and one woman on the site.

Police will allege a large quantity of copper cable was being stolen.

All four were arrested and charged with multiple counts of trespassing, larceny, and damaging mine equipment, one man was charged with possessing a prohibited weapon and other outstanding warrants.

They were refused bail to face Toronto Local Court on Tuesday.

Copper Thieves Target Community Hall At Millers Forest

BY IAN CROUCH

The theft of vital firefighting equipment from a heritage community hall at Millers Forest is being described as a low act.

Thieves have made off with a copper stand pipe from the fire box at the front of the Popular Hall on Scotch Street, leaving the 1905 building without fire protection.

With the nearest fire brigade about 20 minutes away, Progress Association Secretary, Gloria Green says they fear the community-owned building would be lost if a fire broke out.


"Had we had the stand pipe we could at least get to work and start to fight it. But now we have to wait for the fire brigade to come from either Thornton or Raymond Terrace. We would lose a very valuable asset in our community and I doubt it would ever be able to be replaced," she said.

Mrs Green had this message for the thieves.

"I would say if you could please return it, no questions asked, we'd be most appreciative," she said.

Millers Forest Progress Association Secretary, Gloria Green Outside The Popular Hall Picture: theherald.com.au