Detectives are appealing for information after firearms were stolen during a break and enter at a home in Mayfield last month.
Between Saturday 7 March 2026 and Monday 23 March 2026, five registered firearms were stolen from the home on Rawson Street.
Newcastle City Police District Detectives commenced inquiries into the incident under Strike Force Portale.
On Friday 10 April 2026, police executed a search warrant at a home at Waratah West.
During the search, police allegedly located and seized several items of interest including a spear gun, knives, four gel blaster firearms, and one of the firearms stolen from the Mayfield home – an Omark 7.62mm calibre rifle.
A 32-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Waratah Police Station.
There he was charged with 11 offences,
- Five counts of possess unauthorised firearm
- Two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit
- Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority
- Use, supply, acquire, possess stolen firearm or part
- Receive property-theft=serious indictable offence, and
- Armed with intent commit indictable offence.
He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Saturday 11 April 2026. He was granted conditional bail and is next due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 6 May 2026.
As Strike Force Portale continues, police are seeking assistance from the public in the recovery of the remaining stolen firearms.
Information can be supplied anonymously to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting reference E103451718.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact 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.
