A 30-year-old man has been charged following a series of alleged armed robberies and theft offences at businesses across Newcastle this month.

Police allege the incidents occurred between 13 and 23 May 2026, targeting retailers and restaurants in Newcastle West and Jesmond.

The first incident allegedly occurred about 5.40pm on 13 May when a man entered a shopping centre in Newcastle West and stole an electronic device without paying.

Three days later, about 8.20am on 16 May, police allege the same man returned to the shopping centre, produced a knife and threatened a shop assistant before stealing two electronic devices.

On 17 May, the man allegedly entered a restaurant on Hunter Street, Newcastle West, threatened staff with scissors and stole cash from the business.

Police further allege the man targeted a restaurant in Jesmond about 9.15pm on 22 May, demanding money from a staff member before fleeing with cash.

The final alleged robbery occurred about 11.10am on 23 May at a restaurant on Blue Gum Road, Jesmond, where the man allegedly threatened staff with a knife before stealing cash.

Following extensive investigations, officers arrested the 30-year-old man at a property on Blue Gum Road, Jesmond, about 7am today (Sunday, 24 May).

He was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with:

• Three counts of robbery with an offensive weapon
• One count of demanding money with menace
• One count of shoplifting

The man was refused bail and is due to appear before Bail Court Division 2 on Monday, 25 May 2026.