Charges laid over looting following floods on the Mid North Coast
Monday, 26 May 2025 04:11:18 PM
Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell today issued a firm warning following the arrest of two men for looting following the devastating floods on the Mid North Coast.
Mr Thurtell said stealing from families and local businesses wiped out by some of the worst floods on record is unforgivable.
"We have additional police on the ground and if we find anyone taking advantage of this community we'll throw the book at them," Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.
"The impact of this weather event has been unimaginable and to think they now have to be concerned about hanging on to whatever property they have left is a disgrace.
"Stealing from people vulnerable during hard times like these is un-Australian."
About 8.40pm yesterday (Sunday 25 May 2025), police stopped a 20-year-old man on Pulteney Street, Taree, when he was allegedly found picking through property in the street.
Police allege that when the man was stopped, he was in possession of two hunting knives, first aid kits, a defibrillator, several fishing rods and other medical items and tools.
The 20-year-old man was taken to Taree Police Station where he was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and custody of knife in public place.
The man was refused bail to appear before Taree Local Court today (Monday 26 May 2025), where he was formally refused bail to appear before Forster Local Court on Tuesday 10 June 2025.
In an unrelated incident, police stopped and searched a 4WD on Albert Street, Taree, about 10.40pm yesterday (Sunday 25 May 2025).
When personal documents, tools, and a knife were allegedly located inside the vehicle, the driver – a 29-year-old man – was arrested and taken to Taree Police Station.
He was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, custody of knife in a public place, licence expired within the last two years, and stealing.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Taree Local Court on Tuesday 17 June 2025.
As floodwaters recede, officers attached to Manning/Great Lakes Police District – with assistance from PolAir – have increased proactive patrols to target theft and property offences in the region.
Manning/Great Lakes Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Natalie Antaw, would like to assure the public that police are performing additional patrols around the clock, and extra resources have been assigned to prevent and disrupt further offending.
"We encourage the public to report any suspicious behaviour to police as soon as possible so that we can take action."
"I'd also like to remind people that taking any goods that are not yours, no matter where they are found, is an offence – even if the items have been moved from their original place by floodwaters," she said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police or 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.