A man has been charged after he allegedly stole more than $50,000 from a Lake Macquarie pub at the weekend.
Police will allege in court that shortly after 4am on Friday 13 May 2022, a man gained entry to a licensed premises on the Pacific Highway at Gateshead, where he opened a locked safe and stole more than $50,000 in cash before leaving the venue.
A cleaner was present at the time, he was uninjured.
Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced an investigation.
Following extensive inquiries, Lake Macquarie police – with assistance from officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command – attended a casino at Pyrmont and arrested an 18-year-old man about 3.10pm yesterday.
During a search of the man, police located and seized more than $4500 cash and around $1400 in casino chips in his possession.
Officers then conducted a search of the man’s vehicle and seized further cash, casino chips and two extendable batons.
Two search warrants were later executed at a hotel room on Murray Street, Pyrmont, and at a home in Charlestown, where police seized electronic devices and other items believed to be proceeds of crime.
The man was taken to Day Street Police Station where he was charged with five counts of deal with property proceeds of crime, then one count each of aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence-people there, and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.
He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Thursday 19 May 2022).