A man has been charged after allegedly stealing five motor bikes from Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.

About 3.45pm yesterday (Thursday 4 June 2015), a 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with five counts of steal motor vehicle after an extensive investigation by Newcastle City Special Operation Group.

Police will allege the 23-year-old stole motorcycles from the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas during April and May 2015, when test- riding bikes for sale.

The bikes were allegedly stolen on 29 April 2015 from a Warners Bay address, 30 April 2015 from a Charlestown address, 3 May 2015 from a Bonnells Bay address, 10 May 2015 from a New Lambton address; and 12 May 2015 from a New Lambton address.

The 23-year-old was charged with five counts of steal motor vehicle and drive whilst disqualified.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 5 June 2015).