Detectives investigating the disappearance of Belmont mother, Carly McBride, have charged a man with drug and firearm offences.

About 12.30pm today (Thursday 23 April 2015), officers from the Hunter Valley’s Strike Force Karabi executed search warrants at three addresses within the local area: Gundy Road, Scone, Ted Clay Street, Muswellbrook, and Hayes Street, Scone.

During a search of these properties three firearms, (two shortened), a silencer and an extendable baton were seized as well as a substance suspected of being methamphetamine and $5875 in cash.

A 24-year-old man was arrested at the Ted Clay Street address. He was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he was charged with 13 offences relating to the possession and supply of methamphetamine, possession of firearms, and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

The man has been refused bail and will appear in Scone Local Court tomorrow (Friday 24 April 2015).

Strike Force Karabi investigators stressed the charges did not relate to the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Carly McBride; however, these did arise from that same investigation.

Carly, 31, was last seen on Calgaroo Avenue at Muswellbrook about 2pm on Tuesday 30 September 2014. Officers from Hunter Valley Local Area Command were alerted when she failed to return to her Belmont home and couldn’t be located or contacted.

An investigation has been ongoing since her disappearance, with detectives following a number of lines of inquiry. Carly is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165cm to 175cm tall, with a thin build, brown hair and eyes.

Police continue to hold serious concerns for her welfare, and are investigating a possible homicide.

Anyone with information about either matter should call Muswellbrook police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Police divers have retrieved the body of a woman from a car which was swept into floodwaters in the Central Hunter.

About 8.50am (Wednesday 22 April 2015), police and emergency services were called to Cessnock Road, Maitland, following reports two vehicles had been swept into floodwaters.

On arrival, police from Central Hunter Local Area Command and officers from Fire & Rescue NSW and the State Emergency Service (SES), were told two vehicles had been swept away and were submerged.

Several people entered the water to assist and they, in turn, had to be rescued.

The search continued throughout the day and about 6.15pm, police located the two vehicles.

Police divers were able to confirm no one in the second vehicle, however, the body of an 86-year-old Gillieston Heights woman was retrieved from the first vehicle.

While police had been told two people may have been in that first vehicle, divers could find no evidence that a second person was in the car. At this time, there have been no reports of people missing that could be connected to this incident.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Police have charged a man after three teenagers were allegedly approached, and one indecently assaulted, by a man in Belmont South on Saturday.

About 1pm (Saturday 18 April 2015), a 17-year-old girl was fishing with her two siblings – a boy and girl aged 14 – at Cold Tea Creek when a man approached them.

Police have been told the man spoke to the trio, before the teens returned to their vehicle in a nearby car park.

The man followed the teens, before he allegedly indecently assaulted one of the girls.

The teenagers drove from the scene and alerted their parents, who contacted police.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command attended and commenced inquiries.

About 8.30pm yesterday (Sunday 19 April 2015), detectives arrested a 49-year-old man and he was taken to Charlestown Police Station.

He has been charged with one count of indecent assault of a person under 16 years and granted conditional bail, to appear at Belmont Local Court on 13 May 2015.

Three teenagers have been charged following an investigation into the assault of a father and daughter in Charlestown on the weekend.

On Sunday (12 April 2015), a 14-year-old girl and her 41-year-old father were leaving a shopping centre on Pearson Street, when a number of people approached them.

Police have been told an altercation ensued between the man and a number of males, in which the man was assaulted a number of times. The girl went to the assistance of her father and was also assaulted.

During the altercation, the man’s car keys, mobile phone and wallet were taken.

Emergency services were called and the group fled the scene.

The father and daughter were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command attended and commenced investigating the incident.

The altercation is believed to be part of an ongoing dispute between youths.

Following investigations, three teenage boys, two aged aged 15 and one aged 14, were today (Friday 17 April 2015) arrested and charged with offences related to the incident.

One 15-year-old boy was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray and steal from person.

Another 15-year-old boy was charged with assault and affray.

The 14-year-old boy was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

The boys were granted conditional bail to appear at a Children’s Court on 4 May 2015.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.

Police are appealing for information to find a man missing from the Lake Macquarie region since last month.

Christopher Daunt, aged 27, was last seen on Sunday 29 March 2015 by a friend at his home on O’Brien Street, Gateshead.

He has not been seen since and his family hold concerns for his welfare.

Christopher has been described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 183cm tall, with green eyes, and brown hair.

It’s believed he is driving a white 2013 Ford Falcon utility, with NSW vehicle registration number CRQ97C.

Newcastle Police and Traffic and Highway Command warn deregistration and vehicle confiscation are among a range of legislative tools they intend to use during an upcoming blitz on “hoon” behaviour in Newcastle.

Newcastle Local Area Command says it’s fed up with the dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour exhibited by a hooligan element congregating in the Newcastle area.

In response, police are about to launch a crackdown against illegal drag racers and drivers performing ‘burn-outs’.

Newcastle Police remain supportive of genuine car enthusiasts but warn they will target drivers who engage in dangerous or unlawful activity.

The operation will take a different form than past compliance initiatives with police targeting not only those driving dangerously but spectators engaging in trespass, underage drinking, offensive behaviour, traffic obstruction and public order offences.

Newcastle Commander, John Gralton, said the “hoons” were risking their lives and those around them by racing in dangerous and unlawful conditions.

“Some of this behaviour may have been going on for decades, but we are serious about catching those who drive in a dangerous or potentially deadly manner,” Supt Gralton said.

“Ignore this warning at your peril. There will be consequences to your actions when you are caught.

“The Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, together with local police, will work together with Roads and Maritime Services and will consider the confiscation of vehicles and any necessary action for people that repeatedly break the road rules.

“We will be using evidence from social media and available CCTV to prosecute these matters.

“The illegal activity is attracting participants from Sydney, the Central Coast and across the Hunter. We have information about who is organising this illegal activity and we will be gathering evidence to prosecute them,” Supt Gralton said.

“You won’t know when or where we’ll turn up but car hoons – you’re on notice.”

Police have charged a man following an alleged stabbing at Cardiff last weekend.

About 10.45pm on Saturday 11 April 2015, two men, aged 34 and 29, were at a residence in Wendy Street when an argument allegedly started between the two.

Police will allege the 34-year-old man stabbed the 29-year-old man multiple times.

The 34-year-old man then left the premises and emergency services were contacted.

The 29-year-old was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment to wounds to his abdomen and is currently in a stable condition.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command attended and established a crime scene.

About 4pm yesterday, a 34-year-old man was arrested at Charlestown Police Station.

He was charged with wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 16 April 2015).

Police from Newcastle City Local Area Command have charged a man with impersonate police, robbery, posses unauthorised pistol and drug-related offences.

About 12am yesterday (14 April 2015), a 39-year-old Lambton man and his 20-year-old son were moving a motor vehicle in Heaton Street, Jesmond.

It will be alleged two men approached the pair and informed them they were police officers.

Police will further allege the men assaulted the father and son before stealing a wallet, mobile telephone and other belongings.

Around 9am today (15 April 2015), police had cause to speak with a 22-year-old Thornton man who was seated in a motor vehicle in Fern Street, Islington.

The man and the motor vehicle were searched, during which police allegedly located property belonging the 39-year-old man. Police also seized an unauthorised pistol, an amount of money, and illegal drugs.

Police arrested the man and took him to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with robbery in company, impersonate police, supply prohibited drug, possess unauthorised pistol, possess prohibited drug, and deal with the proceeds of crime.

The man was refused bail, and is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on the 16 April 2015.

The investigation is continuing, and anyone with information that may assist police is asked to contact Newcastle City detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A teenager will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act as police continue investigating the alleged assault and robbery of a father and daughter in Charlestown.

Yesterday afternoon (Sunday 12 April 2015), a 14-year-old girl and her 41-year-old father were leaving a shopping centre on Pearson Street, when a number of people approached them.

Police have been told an altercation ensued between the man and a number of males, in which the man was assaulted a number of times.

The girl went to the assistance of her father, when she was assaulted.

During the altercation, the man’s car keys, mobile phone and wallet were taken.

Emergency services were called and the group fled the scene.

The father and daughter were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command attended and commenced investigating the incident.

Detectives from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command located a 15-year-old boy this morning at a local shopping centre.

He will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act

As they continue their inquiries, any witnesses, or anyone with information is urged to come forward and contact police via Crime Stoppers.

The Port Stephens community is invited to a special engagement day this week.

Hosted by Port Stephens Local Area Command – in conjunction with the Port Stephens Council – the Community Engagement Day will be held between 10am and 2pm on Thursday (16 April 2015), at Barnett Fields at Raymond Terrace.
In addition to local police, the day will showcase specialist commands within the NSW Police Force, including PolAir, Marine Area Command, Mounted Unit, Police Rescue, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Tactical Operations Unit and PCYC.

Acting Port Stephens Local Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Tony Townsend, said the event is a great opportunity for the community to learn more about day-to-day policing.

“The Community Engagement Day provides an opportunity for the community to interact directly with officers from a variety of units and gain an insider perspective of the different work that we undertake on a daily basis,” A/Supt Townsend said.

“It also gives us the opportunity to talk directly with members of the community in a relaxed, informal environment.

“We will also be joined by local Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, RAAF Dog Unit and other agencies, including Port Stephens Council Ranger Ralph, who will have displays, conduct demonstrations, provide advice, or chat about their experiences.

“All are welcome to come along, meet your local police and emergency services, and learn more about what we do, especially within the Port Stephens community,” A/Supt Townsend said.

Motorists can also pop into the car park of the Raymond Terrace Netball Courts (off Port Stephens Street), where members of the Raymond Terrace Men’s Shed will replace their number plate screws with special irreversible screws free of charge.
Raymond Terrace Athletics Club and the PCYC are catering for the event and kids can play on the jumping castle.

The event is free and all are welcome. Parking will be available at King Park off Newline Road opposite Barnett Fields and in the Raymond Terrace CBD.