Third man charged over alleged looting - Mid North Coast

Tuesday, 27 May 2025 05:01:27 PM

A man will face court today charged over allegedly being in possession of stolen items on the flood-affected Mid North Coast.

About 3.45am (Tuesday 27 May 2025), police were called to Mortimer Street, Wingham, following concerns about suspicious activity in the street.

At the scene, police allegedly saw a man placing items from the street into the rear of a hatchback.

A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed tools, paintings, family photos, DVDs, a fish tank, lamp, tyres, and other personal items.

The 44-year-old man was subjected to a roadside drug test, allegedly returning a positive detection to methamphetamine.

He was arrested and underwent a secondary oral fluid test which will be sent for further analysis, with further action dependant on those results.

He was taken to Taree Police Station where he was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and breach of bail.

He was refused bail to appear before Taree Local Court today (Tuesday 27 May 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.

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