WARATAH – Man Charged After Allegedly Attempting Break-In at Liquorland, Then Stealing from Coles

13 January 2025

A 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an alleged attempted break and enter at a Liquorland store on Turton Road, before stealing items from a nearby Coles. The incident occurred around 9:25 p.m. last night (Sunday 12 January 2025).

According to NSW Police, officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to the Liquorland premises after reports that a man, allegedly armed with a hammer, attempted to forcefully open the front doors. When this attempt failed, the man entered Coles, where he allegedly stole approximately $160 worth of grocery items.

A shopper who spoke to Newy 87.8 last night said the man, well known in the area, pushed past a security guard to enter the supermarket, dismissively saying, “Aw, leave me alone,” before roaming the aisles. Shortly afterwards, he allegedly tried to leave with a bag full of products. The witness told Newy 87.8 that the security guard wrestled the bag away, and the suspect fled toward the nearby Kmart entrance.

Police told Newy 87.8 they located and arrested the 32-year-old man about 20 minutes later. Officers also seized a hammer from the scene. The man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with:

Attempted break and enter with intent to commit a serious indictable offence
Larceny
Armed with intent to commit an indictable offence

He was refused bail and appeared before Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 13 January 2025).

Witnesses who worked at the shopping centre told Newy 87.8 that the same individual is believed to have been involved in other shoplifting and anti-social incidents around Newcastle, including one case last week where he allegedly dropped his pants in a shop.

Anyone with further information about these events is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or their local police station. No injuries were reported, and investigations are ongoing.