Man charged over alleged Charlestown unit complex break-ins

newy.com.au – A 31-year-old man is due to face court on Monday 9 February 2026 charged after an investigation into alleged property offences at two unit complexes in Charlestown in the Lake Macquarie area.

Lake Macquarie Police District allege the man stole keys and access fobs from a residential building, used them to enter storage areas and steal items, then returned to another complex days later where an e-bike was taken.

Police allege that on Tuesday 6 January 2026 the man stole keys and fobs from a residential complex on Charles Street, Charlestown. Investigators say he then used the access devices to enter storage cages within the building.

A range of property was allegedly stolen from the storage areas, including a drone, wheelchair, beach buggy and a vacuum cleaner.

Police further allege that on Saturday 17 January 2026 the same man entered another unit complex on Charles Street, Charlestown, where an e-bike was stolen. Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and began inquiries into the incidents.

About 6.25pm on Sunday 8 February 2026, police stopped a vehicle at a service station on the Pacific Highway, Charlestown. During a search of the vehicle, police allege they located and seized a bag containing keys, fobs, bolt cutters and a torch.

The man was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station, where he was charged with 10 offences including four counts of break and enter house etc steal, three counts of destroy or damage property, and possess housebreaking implements. He was refused bail and is due to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Monday.