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Police have seized a firearm that was allegedly stolen during an aggravated break in, following a raid at the Hunter Valley.
About 2.30pm (Saturday 10 January 2015), a 43-year-old man was at a home on Cooba Bulga Road, Cassilis, when three men wearing masks entered.

The men allegedly detained the 43-year-old before stealing a number of firearms from a gun safe; as well as motorbikes, a Toyota Hilux, and other property.

Yesterday at 1.30pm (Wednesday 14 January 2015), officers from Central Hunter Local Area Command attended a home on Pyne Way, Mount View, and executed a search warrant.

Police will allege they seized a firearm that was stolen during the break-in.

Investigations are continuing and charges are expected to be laid.

Previously, on Sunday 11 January 2015, officers attended a home on Brown Street, Cessnock, where they arrested a 26-year-old man.

He was taken to Hunter Valley Police Station where he was charged with aggravated break, enter and commit serious indictable offence in company, and detain in company with intent to get advantage occasioning actual bodily harm.

The 26-year-old and appeared at Maitland Local Court, and was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local court on Wednesday 25 February 2015.

Arson Squad detectives have released CCTV footage as inquiries continue into a deliberately-lit fire in Newcastle last year.

Emergency services were called to Kemp Street at The Junction just after midnight on Sunday 7 July 2014 where they found a building well-alight.

The blaze was extinguished; however, the building was extensively damaged.

Through initial inquiries, investigators determined the fire was deliberately lit.

Strike Force Chaperon was subsequently formed by detectives from the Property Crime Squad’s Arson Unit with assistance from Newcastle City Local Area Command.

Following initial inquiries, police have today released CCTV footage of a car travelling along Kemp Street shortly before the fire, as well as footage of a man walking near the building.

The grey or silver vehicle is believed to be similar to a late 1990s or early 2000s model BMW 3.

Strike Force detectives believe the man can assist with their inquiries and are appealing for anyone who knows his identity, or recognises the car, to come forward.

Police investigating a theft at Newcastle Beach yesterday (Tuesday 13 January 2015); have released an image of a woman they would like to speak to in relation to the incident.

About 1.10pm, a handbag was taken from a table at a café on Shortland Esplanade.

Police were told a woman was allegedly seen to take the handbag and walk towards the Newcastle Beach public toilets.

The woman was confronted by a witness and the owner of the handbag who then recovered the property from her.

Police from Newcastle City Local Area Command were contacted and are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Investigators have now released an image of a person who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The person depicted in the image is described as being a female of Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 30-40 years old, with a medium build.

At the time of the incident, she is shown in the image wearing a grey singlet top, grey hat and sunglasses.

Police have released images of a man who may be able to assist with inquiries after a man allegedly exposed himself to a woman in Waratah West on the weekend.

About 2.30pm (Sunday 11 January 2015), a 24-year-old international student was at a bus stop on University Drive when she was approached by a man.

The man allegedly sat next to her at the bus stop and exposed himself before committing a lewd act.

The matter was reported to police yesterday (Tuesday 13 January) and investigations into the incident are continuing.

Police believe that the man depicted in the photographs may be able to assist with inquiries.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 50-years-old, 175cm tall, with a slim build. He was last seen wearing blue football shorts, dark t-shirt, dark coloured cap, sunglasses, and riding a dark coloured bicycle.

A 52-year-old man will appear in court today (Wednesday 14 January 2014) after being charged with drug supply offences following a police pursuit in the Hunter.

About 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 January 2014), police from the Central Hunter Local Area Command’s Target Action Group were patrolling Bellbird when they observed an unregistered motorcycle travelling along Kendall Street.

Officers attempted to stop the motorcycle, which was carrying two people, but the rider in control of the bike sped off.

A pursuit commenced with the motorcycle allegedly reaching speeds of 120-130km/h on signposted 80km/h roads.

On Pyne Way in Mount View, the rider lost control of the bike while travelling through a stretch of long grass. Both the rider and his passenger fell off the bike; fortunately, their speed had reduced at this time and neither of them were injured.

The rider of the bike – a 52-year-old Mount View man – was found to be in possession of eight grams of methylamphetamine, a folding pocket knife and more than $2,000 cash. He was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station, while his passenger – a 38-year-old woman from Mount View – was released without charge.

Following the man’s arrest, officers executed a search warrant at a home on Edith Street, Cessnock, where they located more than a dozen items which are believed to have been stolen. Items seized from the property included laptop computers, jewellery and power tools.

The man was subsequently charged with:

– Drug supply;

– Drug possession;

– Failing to stop when directed;

– Dealing with the proceeds of crime; and,

– Driving whilst disqualified.

Refused bail, he is scheduled to appear in Cessnock Local Court today.