Detectives are appealing for information as an investigation continues into an alleged aggravated break and enter near Newcastle earlier this year.
About 5am on Sunday 19 July 2026, police were called to a home on Ridgeway Drive, New Lambton Heights, following reports of a break and enter.
At the scene, police were told three teenage boys had allegedly gained access to a home and attempted to steal two vehicles when they were confronted by a resident of the home.
The teens allegedly threatened the resident with a knife on the driveway of the property before they left in a red hatchback that had allegedly been stolen from the Central Coast.
A crime scene was established and inquiries into the incident commenced by Newcastle City Police District and Operation Soteria.
On Wednesday 22 July 2026, police arrested a 16-year-old boy in Rutherford.
He was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with seven offences,
- Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal value less than or equal to $60,000
- Aggravated break and enter with intent – armed
- Larceny value less than or equal to $2,000
- Face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence
- Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and
- Common assault.
He was refused bail to appear before a children’s court on Wednesday 22 July 2026. He was formally refused bail and will next appear before the same court on Monday 21 September 2026.
On Monday 17 August 2026, following further inquiries, police arrested a 15-year-old boy in Broadmeadow.
He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with nine offences,
- Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal value less than or equal to $60,000
- Larceny value less than or equal to $2,000
- Face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence
- Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner
- Drive conveyance taken without consent of owner
- Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner
- Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and
- Common assault.
He was refused bail to appear before a children’s court on Monday 17 August 2026. He was formally refused bail and will next appear before the same court on Monday 28 September 2026.
As inquiries into the incident continue, police wish to speak with a third teenage boy seen in the area at the time of the incident.
Anyone with information about the boy is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
