NSW Police arrest man following Central Coast break-in spree

A 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a joint investigation by Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lakes police into a series of alleged break-ins across the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie.

Between May and June, eight locations in Tuggerah, Charmhaven, Ourimbah, and Cooranbong were reportedly targeted. Alleged stolen items include firearms, ammunition, vehicles, cash, and collectible trading cards. During a search of a property in Tacoma South on August 12, police reportedly seized a rifle scope, a slingshot, and small amounts of methylamphetamine and buprenorphine.

The suspect faces multiple charges, including aggravated break and enter, participating in a criminal group, taking a vehicle without consent, possessing an unauthorized firearm, and drug possession. Police allege the man also hid a stolen firearm in bushland near Mardi. He was refused bail and is scheduled to appear in the Local Court.