Man charged over alleged Newcastle West and Jesmond robberies

newy.com.au – A 30-year-old man has been charged over a series of alleged robberies and thefts at Newcastle West and Jesmond businesses across 10 days this month.

Police allege the incidents began about 5.40pm on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, when the man attended a shopping centre in Newcastle West and removed an electronic device from a store without paying.

Three days later, about 8.20am on Saturday, 16 May, he allegedly returned to a shopping centre in Newcastle West, produced a knife towards a shop assistant and stole two electronic devices.

Police will further allege the man attended a restaurant on Hunter Street, Newcastle West, about 3pm on Sunday, 17 May, where he threatened staff with scissors before stealing cash.

The alleged offending continued in Jesmond, where police say the man attended a restaurant about 9.15pm on Friday, 22 May, demanded money from a shop assistant and stole cash. About 11.10am the next day, he allegedly went to a restaurant on Bluegum Road armed with a knife, threatened staff and stole more cash.

Following extensive inquiries, police attended a premises on Bluegum Road, Jesmond, about 7am on Sunday, 24 May, and arrested the man. He was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with three counts of robbery with an offensive weapon, one count of demand money with menace, and one count of shoplifting.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Court Division 2 on Monday, 25 May 2026.