Third person charged over alleged Pokolbin winery break-ins

newy.com.au – A third person has been charged over a series of alleged break and enters targeting wineries and businesses in Pokolbin, as police continue inquiries under Operation Ferment.

NSW Police said several property offences had been reported in recent months across the Pokolbin area, with bottles of alcohol, electronics, jewellery, crystals and gemstones allegedly stolen during the incidents.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District began investigating the matters, and earlier this month a 32-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man were arrested. Police said both remain before the courts.

About 10.30am on Friday, 20 March 2026, police were patrolling Rawson Street at Aberdare when they allegedly saw a man wanted on an outstanding warrant enter a home. Police searched the property and allege they found and seized two stolen motorbikes along with about 4.71 grams of methamphetamine.

A 34-year-old man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with seven counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal less than $60,000, possess prohibited drug, and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen motor vehicle.

Police also executed an outstanding warrant relating to alleged knife, drug and bail offences.

The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Saturday, 21 March 2026, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.