Police appeal after early-morning break-in spree from Central Coast to Lake Macquarie

newy.com.au – Police are appealing for public assistance after a group of eight males allegedly targeted homes and a service station across Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast in the early hours of Tuesday 28 October 2025.

Police say the group was involved in a series of attempted break and enters late last month, moving between several suburbs in allegedly stolen vehicles and leaving with a utility that has not yet been recovered.

About 3.10am, eight males were captured on CCTV attempting to enter a house on Maddie Street, Bonells Bay. According to police, the group was unable to get inside the home and was seen leaving the area in two vehicles – a white MG SUV and a black Toyota Corolla – which had been stolen from homes on the Central Coast a short time earlier.

Roughly 40 minutes later, about 3.50am, the same vehicles were driven to a service station on Freemans Drive, Cooranbong. Police allege the males tried to force their way into the business using various objects, including poles and hammers. A neighbour disturbed the group and they left the scene before gaining entry.

The males are then believed to have headed to Catherine Hill Bay. Police say that about 4.10am they attempted to enter more homes in the area but were again unsuccessful and moved on.

About 5am, the group allegedly gained access to a home on Macquarie Grove, Caves Beach. Police say an Isuzu D-Max utility was taken from the property and has not yet been located.

Lake Macquarie Detectives and officers attached to Operation Soteria were notified and commenced an investigation into the linked incidents. Following inquiries, police recovered the MG SUV and Toyota Corolla that had been stolen from the Central Coast, but the Isuzu D-Max remains outstanding.

As part of their ongoing investigation, police have released CCTV images of the vehicles involved and are appealing for help to identify those inside them. The occupants are all described as being of slim build, aged in their late teens, and were last seen wearing hooded jumpers, long pants, joggers and face coverings.

Police are urging anyone who recognises the vehicles or has information that could assist detectives to come forward as inquiries continue.