A Lemon Tree Passage man has been charged after police stepped up patrols in the area to tackle a spike in reported thefts.
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Luke Carter, aged 26, was charged with 16 offences, including larceny, possess a prohibited drug and dealing in the proceeds of crime, following his arrest in the early hours of Tuesday, August 22.
Carter was refused bail in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Tuesday. He is due to reappear in court on Monday, August 28.
Officers patrolling Lemon Tree Passage on Tuesday spotted Carter walking in Torpey Avenue about 12.40am.
An extra police car had been tasked to patrol the Tilligerry Peninsula, in particular Lemon Tree Passage, in response to the noticeable spike of thefts reported in the area since May.
Carter was searched, with officers allegedly finding house breaking implements and a small quantity of cannabis on him, and arrested.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and interviewed.
Carter was charged with 16 offences including:
- Two counts of possessing house breaking implements
- Possess a prohibited drug
- Possess drug making equipment
- Found with intent to commit an indictable offence
- Two counts of larceny
- Two counts of steal property from a dwelling
- Receive and dispose stolen property
- Two counts of making a false and/or misleading statement
- Two counts of break, enter and steal
- Goods in custody and;
- Deal in the proceeds of crime
Further charges are pending.
Carter is assisting with inquiries regarding thefts on the Tilligerry Peninsula during the past three months, police said.
Later on Tuesday, officers from the Port Stephens Local Area Command executed a search warrant at a residence in Helen Avenue, Lemon Tree Passage.
A number of items that are believed to be stolen property were allegedly recovered from the residence.
Police are encouraging Tilligerry Peninsula residents who have been the target of theft to contact Raymond Terrace Police Station on 4983 7599.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
