Waratah Man Arrested in Over Alleged New Lambton Break-Ins and Vehicle Theft

A 20-year-old Waratah man has been arrested and charged following a series of alleged property offences in Newcastle.

In the early hours of Tuesday, 1 October 2024, two males allegedly attempted to break into homes and vehicles on Duke Street and Henderson Place in New Lambton. Residents, concerned by the incidents, shared CCTV footage online. Newy 87.8 reported on the alleged break-ins on 3 October 2024 via the website, bringing wider attention to the matter.

At approximately 7:30 am on Monday, 7 October 2024, police executed a search warrant at a unit on Christo Road, Waratah. During the search, officers allegedly seized clothing, jewellery, and a key to a vehicle. The vehicle had allegedly been stolen from a Rankin Park address on Thursday, 3 October 2024, and was later found on Morpeth Road, Waratah.

The man was arrested at the unit and taken to Waratah Police Station. He has been charged with multiple offences, including two counts each of attempted aggravated break and enter in company to steal, attempted armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, and attempted larceny. Additional charges include possessing housebreaking implements, goods suspected of being stolen, and breach of bail.

It is understood that the man was already well known in the community and is already scheduled to appear in court on 17 October 2024 for unrelated motor vehicle and other offences. The new charges will add to his existing court appearances on that day.

He was refused bail and appeared in Newcastle Local Court today, where bail was again denied. He is scheduled to reappear in the same court on Thursday, 17 October 2024.

Police have stated that investigations are ongoing. They urge anyone with information related to these incidents to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.