Two men charged over alleged Hunter Valley farm equipment theft

newy.com.au – Two men have been charged after police investigated the alleged theft of more than $100,000 worth of farming equipment from a property in the Hunter Valley.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District began inquiries after reports a property on Pembroke Road, Cassilis, had been broken into and a range of equipment stolen, including two Honda quad bikes, fuel, power tools, cattle tags and drench.

As part of the investigation, police located and seized a quad bike and box trailer on Aly Street, Kayuga.

A 27-year-old man was arrested at Muswellbrook Police Station on Tuesday, May 19, where he was charged with dispose motor vehicle part-theft=serious indictable offence more than $5000 and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Muswellbrook Local Court on Tuesday, July 14.

Investigators then executed search warrants at homes in Muswellbrook and Aberdeen between 7.30am and 8.30am on Thursday, May 21. During the searches, officers allegedly found and seized power tools, trail cameras, electronic devices, copper cabling, mobile phones and farming equipment believed to be stolen.

A 46-year-old man was arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station, where he was charged with knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, dispose motor vehicle part-theft=serious indictable offence more than $5000, fail to provide adequate exercise to confined animal, and passenger not disclose driver’s/other passenger’s identity.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, July 22.

Police said inquiries were continuing and urged anyone with information about the alleged break and enter, or the stolen equipment, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed confidentially.