Two Men Charged Over Stolen Power Tools in Newcastle Police Operation

newy.com.au – Two men have been charged following a police investigation into stolen power tools in Newcastle.

At around 2am on Tuesday, 21 January 2025, a Toyota Hilux containing a significant quantity of power tools was stolen from a home on Donald Street, Hamilton North. Later that morning, at approximately 10am, police located the vehicle on Brooks Street, Wallsend; however, all the tools had been removed.

As part of ongoing inquiries by the Newcastle City Police District Proactive Crime Team, officers identified a property of interest on Lewis Street, Wallsend. At about 9.30am on Friday, 7 February 2025, a vehicle was seen leaving the address and was soon intercepted by police.

A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered multiple power tools believed to have been stolen. A 35-year-old man was arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged with possessing suspected stolen goods, attempting to dispose of stolen property, and multiple driving offences, including being an unaccompanied learner driver and failing to display “L” plates. He was granted strict conditional bail and is scheduled to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday, 6 March 2025.

Later that same day, at approximately 3pm, officers executed a search warrant at the Lewis Street property. During the search, police allegedly seized additional stolen power tools, a gel blaster firearm, and approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine.

A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Waratah Police Station. He was charged with breaching bail, supplying a prohibited drug, possessing an unregistered firearm, and failing to store a firearm safely. Initially refused bail, he appeared before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday, 8 February 2025, where he was granted strict conditional bail. His next scheduled court appearance is at Newcastle Local Court on Monday, 17 February 2025.

Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with further information to contact Crime Stoppers.