Two men will face court today charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of more than $100,000 worth of copper in the state’s Hunter region.
On Monday 23 November 2020, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District’s Property Crime Team commenced an investigation after reports copper worth over $100,000 had been stolen from an industrial site in Tomago, about 30km north-west of Newcastle.
About 6pm yesterday (Wednesday 25 November 2020), police were called to a storage shed on Tomago Road, Tomago, by security after reports of unauthorised people on the premises.
Upon arrival, a perimeter was established and following a foot pursuit, a 32-year-old man was arrested.
With assistance from the Dog Unit, a second man, aged 41, was arrested a short time later inside the shed.
A vehicle and trailer were located camouflaged in bushland nearby.
The men were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and the older man was charged with break and enter dwelling-house etc with intent (steal) and break & enter house etc steal value <= $60,000.
The younger man was charged with break and enter dwelling-house etc with intent (steal).
Both men were refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Thursday 26 November 2020).
Inquiries are ongoing.