A 30-year-old man has been charged after a vehicle stop conducted by the Port Stephens-Hunter Proactive Crime Team in Thornton early Wednesday morning. The arrest took place at approximately 3 am on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
During their patrol in the Thornton area, police officers noticed a vehicle with allegedly altered license plates on Thomas Coke Drive. Subsequently, a search of the vehicle was conducted, which reportedly uncovered property suspected to have been stolen during a recent break-in at Rutherford. Additionally, a small bag containing methamphetamine was allegedly found.
The suspect was apprehended at the scene and subsequently taken to Maitland Police Station for further processing. He has since been charged with several offenses, including possession of a prohibited drug (methamphetamine), using a class A vehicle with altered number plates, possessing a vehicle part with altered or defaced identification numbers, possession of suspected stolen goods, driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period, and further possession of suspected stolen goods.
The accused was denied bail and is scheduled to appear before the Maitland Local Court later today, Thursday, June 29, 2023.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and drug possession and are working to determine any potential connections between the suspect and other criminal activities in the area. Further updates on this case are expected as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with additional information related to this incident is urged to contact the Port Stephens-Hunter Proactive Crime Team or the local authorities to assist in their ongoing inquiries.
Please note that all individuals mentioned in this report are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.