Three charged after alleged break-ins and stolen vehicles in Merewether

Three people are set to face court after police launched an investigation into a series of alleged property offences in Merewether last week.

Officers were called to Scenic Drive around 3.30am on Friday, 13 June, after reports of attempted break-ins in the area. Investigators believe several properties and vehicles on Myamblah Crescent, Woodward Street, and Scenic Drive were targeted in the early hours.

During patrols shortly after the reports, police spotted a parked vehicle on Scenic Drive. As they approached, three men fled on foot. One of them, a 24-year-old, was arrested nearby. Police allege he was carrying a knife and cannabis at the time. He was handed a court attendance notice and is due before Newcastle Local Court on 3 July, charged with possessing a prohibited drug and carrying a knife in public.

Further investigations led to the same man presenting himself at Waratah Police Station the following Tuesday, 17 June. He was arrested again and charged with multiple offences, including three counts of taking and driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent, two counts of aggravated break and enter, and property damage. He was granted conditional bail and is also due in court on 3 July.

On the same day, officers from Operation Soteria executed a search warrant at a property in Cessnock around 2.45pm. A 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were arrested at the scene.

The teenager faces charges including three counts of motor vehicle theft, aggravated break and enter, and larceny. He is scheduled to appear before a children’s court on 23 June. The older man has been charged with possession of suspected stolen goods, unlawfully driving a vehicle, and drug possession. He has been granted strict conditional bail and is set to appear at Cessnock Local Court on 1 July.

Investigations are continuing under Operation Soteria.