newy.com.au – Eleven people have been charged and a further six youths dealt with under the Young Offenders Act following a police crackdown on retail theft across Newcastle.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District began investigating several thefts between March and July, predominantly targeting liquor stores. Eleven people were arrested between Wednesday, 15 July and Friday, 17 July, and charged with offences including shoplifting, affray and possessing goods suspected of being stolen or unlawfully obtained.
Among those arrested was a 55-year-old man spotted by officers near the intersection of Tooke and Brooks streets at Cooks Hill about 2.45pm on Wednesday.
Police allege the man, who was wanted on several outstanding warrants, attempted to flee on a bicycle before he was arrested a short time later. Officers allegedly found multiple bottles of alcohol when they searched him.
He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with having goods in his custody suspected of being stolen. He was also charged over four outstanding warrants relating to alleged shoplifting and driving offences.
The man was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Local Court 2, where he was again refused bail. He is due to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Monday, 20 July.
A 15-year-old girl was also arrested after attending Waratah Police Station about 7.30am on Friday.
She was charged with 14 offences, including 12 counts of shoplifting property valued at $2000 or less, dishonestly obtaining property by deception, and entering or remaining in a minors authorisation area without an adult.
The girl was granted conditional bail to appear before a Children’s Court on Monday, 17 August.
Police said investigations were continuing.
