TWO men were charged last week, as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of more than $100,000 worth of copper.

On Monday 23 November 2020, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District’s Property Crime Team commenced an investigation after reports copper worth over $100,000 had been stolen from an industrial site in Tomago, about 30km north-west of Newcastle.

About 6pm on Wednesday 25 November 2020, police were called to a storage shed on Tomago Road, Tomago, by security after reports of unauthorised people on the premises.

Upon arrival, a perimeter was established and following a foot pursuit, a 32-year-old man was arrested.

With assistance from the Dog Unit, a second man, aged 41, was arrested a short time later inside the shed.

A vehicle and trailer were located camouflaged in bushland nearby.

The men were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and the older man was charged with break and enter dwelling-house etc with intent (steal) and break & enter house etc steal value <= $60,000.

The younger man was charged with break and enter dwelling-house etc with intent (steal).

Both men were refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Thursday 26 November 2020.

Inquiries are ongoing.