Police issuing warning for Maitland car owners about rise in thefts

BY JARROD MELMETH 

Port Stephens-Hunter Police are issuing a warning to car owners in the region following a recent spate of thefts from cars.

In the first half of October alone, police have had reports of 25 thefts from vehicles, with Maitland being raised as an area of concern.

In his weekly social media update, Superintendent Chad Gillies says most often these offences are occurring to vehicles which have been left unlocked.

"Of those, all bar one have been confirmed as being unlocked and stolen from those cars have included wallets and other personal belongings.

"These crimes are preventable. Protect yourself. Make sure you secure your vehicle and don't leave valuables within them. This includes if you park in the front yard of your house or on the street," Supt Gillies said.

Pictured: Port Stephens-Hunter Superintendent Chad Gillies

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.

Police Searching For Man In Relation To Cardiff Car Thefts

BY JARROD MELMETH

Lake Macquarie Police are asking for assistance in locating a man they believe to be involved in recent car yard thefts.

The man depicted in the image below is wanted for questioning following the thefts from a Cardiff car yard in October 2018.

He is described as being Caucasian, short brown hair and last seen wearing fluoro high visibility clothing.

Anyone with information that may help identify the man is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Pictured: the man police hope can assist with
their inquiries. 

17 year old on the run

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A 17-year-old man is on the run after approaching a 16-year-old in Thornton overnight threatening him with a small knife.

Just after 10:30pm, the 16-year-old was withdrawing money from a Westpac ATM on Taylor Avenue, as he walked away he was approached by the man who demanded his cash.

The 16-year-old handed over the cash and ran.

The offender also ran and is described as Caucasian and wearing a Adidas hoodie and grey pants with white joggers. He also has a piercing on his left eyebrow.

Anyone with information are urged to contact Crimestoppers or Maitland detectives.

Port Stephens oyster farmers counting the cost

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Port Stephens oyster farmers are calling the theft of 350 dozen oysters an inside job.

The farmers at two Karuah oyster farms are counting the cost of the 22,000 oysters which were stolen last weekend.

They've told the Herald they suspect the thieves have a very good working knowledge of the industry and a ready-made supply chain to sell the oysters which are currently in short supply.

The farmers believe the thieves would have arrived by boat.

They also stole two chainsaws and some wet weather gear.

Former Newcastle Jets Captain hailed a hero after chasing down bag thief

BY JARROD MELMETH

Former captain of the Newcastle Jets, Andy Roberts, has been involved in an altercation on the Pacific Highway at Charlestown after catching a man who ran off with his wife, Alison's handbag.

The 47-year-old who owns his own menswear store at Charlestown was in a three-piece suit at the time of the chase, but that did not stop him cornering the suspect and waiting for police to arrive.

Alison reported her bag being stolen to Mr Roberts at about 4pm after hearing the back door of her salon open and close and saw the thief leave with her handbag.

Mr Roberts said the property was returned but not before he was allegedly punched in the face by the thief.

"When I confronted him and asked for it back, he took a swipe at me, my wife was there, so I held her back and just took the punch.

"The bag fell to the ground because he had it in the back of his hoodie, we got that back, then we asked for the rest of the bag back, but he wouldn't admit to where it was.

"When the police arrived and we started chasing him down the street with about two or three others in tow," Mr Roberts said.

Andy Roberts and Jets Player Nigel Boogard. Photo source: Newcastle Jets