Man, 31, charged after alleged police pursuit through Lake Macquarie suburbs

newy.com.au – A 31-year-old man has been charged over an alleged police pursuit that began in Windale and ended with his arrest in Caves Beach on Wednesday night.

NSW Police allege the man was behind the wheel of a Toyota Hilux bearing stolen number plates, sparking a pursuit through several Lake Macquarie suburbs before the vehicle was later found abandoned and the driver arrested.

Police said officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were conducting proactive patrols in Windale about 7.20pm on Wednesday 12 November 2025 when they sighted the Hilux, which was allegedly displaying stolen plates.

When officers directed the driver to stop, he allegedly failed to do so and a pursuit was initiated. According to police, the pursuit continued through Mount Hutton, Windale, Belmont and Marks Point before it was terminated.

A short time later, the vehicle was sighted again on Caves Beach Road at Caves Beach and police recommenced the pursuit. Officers again terminated the chase after they lost sight of the vehicle.

The Hilux was later located abandoned in Brigantine Place, Caves Beach. Police inquiries indicated both the vehicle and its number plates had allegedly been stolen earlier from a home in Caves Beach.

About 11.15pm, officers attended a residence in Alexander Avenue, Caves Beach, where they located a 31-year-old man. Police said OC spray was used during the arrest. The man was taken to Belmont Police Station for charging.

He was charged with eight offences: police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly; drive conveyance taken without consent of owner; unlicensed for Class, Class C, R, LR or MR; use class A vehicle displaying altered number-plate; aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal less than or equal to $60,000; steal motor vehicle; larceny; and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.

Police said the man was refused bail and is due to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Thursday 13 November 2025.