Two men will front court after a large amount of copper cabling was allegedly stolen from an East Maitland telecommunications depot earlier today.
About 5.00am this morning (Wednesday 29 October 2025), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District responded to reports of power tools being used within a telecommunications compound at King Street, East Maitland.
Police found that entry had been forced to a front gate to the depot and arrested two men after police observed a large amount of telecommunication cable in the back of a Subaru Forrester, which was parked within the compound.
The estimated value of the cabling is over $15,000.
The two men were taken to Maitland Police Station where one of the men, a 43-year-old, was found to have two outstanding warrants. He was also charged with destroy or damage property (two counts) enter inclosed lands without lawful excuse, larceny (value more than $15,000), use vehicle with unauthorised number plates, use vehicle displaying altered number plate and goods in personal custody.
A 49-year-old man was charged with destroy or damage property (two counts), enter inclosed lands without lawful excuse and larceny (value more than $15,000).
Both men were refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 tomorrow (Thursday 30 October 2025).
