A man has been arrested following a month-long crime spree across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
The 28-year-old is facing 45 charges relating to stolen cars, break and enters, frauds and traffic offences.
Police were called to reports of a break in at a newsagency on the Pacific Highway at Belmont North at about 4.30am on Thursday, with a Toyota Rav 4 seen leaving a short time later.
The man was arrested after a major search involving the police helicopter and dog squad.
Police sighted a vehicle matching the description in Buttaba Avenue.
As they approached the car it sped away and allegedly collided with a police vehicle and another parked car.
Police located the vehicle a short time later in nearby Golding Avenue, Belmont North. Police conducted a search and the man was eventually arrested following a short foot pursuit.
The 28-year-old man was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with 45 offences including dishonestly obtain property by deception, drive conveyance without consent of owner, police pursuit-not stop-drive dangerous, break, enter and steal, drug offences, resist police and other traffic offences.
He was refused bail and is expected to face Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 2 March 2018).
Investigations are continuing.
