Two Arrested After Firearms Stolen in Port Stephens

newy.com.au – Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged two men following an investigation into the theft of firearms in Port Stephens.

The incident unfolded around 7pm on Monday, 10 February 2025, when officers from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District responded to reports of four stolen firearms from a property on Salamander Way, Salamander Bay. Initial inquiries were launched, and by the following day, Newcastle Police District officers attempted to stop a black Toyota Hilux in Hillsborough. However, the vehicle failed to stop, leading to a police pursuit.

Shortly afterward, the Hilux was found abandoned at a school in Hillsborough. A subsequent search of the area led police to recover three of the four stolen firearms.

The case was then escalated to the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad under Strike Force Blaine. As part of their investigation, detectives conducted a boat inspection at Shoal Bay around 3.40am on Monday, 3 March 2025, where they arrested two men, both aged 23.

The pair was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where they were charged with break and enter related to the firearm theft, as well as offences linked to the police pursuit. Both men were refused bail and faced Raymond Terrace Local Court later that day.

Authorities continue their investigations as they search for the remaining stolen firearm.