Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public after a brazen, hours-long crime spree involving eight masked offenders, multiple attempted home invasions, and a stolen ute that is still missing.
The terrifying incident unfolded in the early hours of 28 October 2025, leaving families across Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast shaken — and authorities warning residents to stay alert.
🔴 3:10am – Bonells Bay
Eight males, all masked and dressed in dark clothing, were caught on CCTV attempting to break into a home on Maddie Street, Bonnells Bay.
They fled in two stolen vehicles — a white MG SUV and a black Toyota Corolla, both taken from Central Coast homes earlier that morning.
🔴 3:50am – Cooranbong
The group then stormed a service station on Freemans Drive, using hammers, poles, and other weapons in an attempt to smash their way in — only to be scared off by a resident who confronted them.
🔴 4:10am – Catherine Hill Bay
The crime spree continued as the group targeted multiple homes, again trying to force their way inside but failing.
🔴 5:00am – Caves Beach
The offenders finally succeeded, breaking into a home on Macquarie Grove and stealing an Isuzu D-Max utility, which has not been found.
🔎 Police Response
Lake Macquarie Detectives and Operation Soteria launched an immediate investigation.
The stolen MG and Toyota were later recovered, but the D-Max ute remains missing — and so do the offenders.
Police have now released CCTV images of the vehicles and are urging the public to help identify the eight males, Police say the group were all of slim build and appeared to be in their late teens. They were last seen wearing hooded jumpers, long pants, joggers, and full face coverings.
📞 HAVE INFORMATION?
Police are urging anyone who recognises the offenders or knows anything about the getaway vehicles to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
All information can be provided anonymously.