Detectives are appealing for public assistance following the theft of multiple firearms during a break and enter in Mayfield last month.

Police say five registered firearms were stolen from a home on Rawson Street sometime between Saturday 7 March and Monday 23 March 2026.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District launched an investigation under Strike Force Portale.

As part of ongoing inquiries, a search warrant was executed at a home in Waratah West on Friday 10 April 2026.

During the search, police allegedly seized a number of items including a spear gun, knives, four gel blaster firearms, and one of the stolen weapons — an Omark 7.62mm calibre rifle.

A 32-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged with 11 offences.

The charges include:

• Five counts of possessing an unauthorised firearm
• Two counts of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit
• Possessing ammunition without a licence
• Possessing a stolen firearm
• Receiving stolen property (serious indictable offence)
• Being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence

He was initially refused bail before being granted conditional bail and is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 6 May 2026.

Investigations under Strike Force Portale remain ongoing, with police continuing efforts to locate the remaining stolen firearms.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting reference E103451718.