A MAN has been charged over numerous alleged shoplifting incidents in the Port Stephens area.
Last month, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District began an investigation into a number of reported shoplifting incidents that affected retailers in the Salamander and Nelson Bay areas.
Around 8;30pm on Saturday, 8 August 2026, police arrested a 27-year-old man on Pirralea Parade, Nelson Bay, and took him to Raymond Terrace Police Station.
He was charged with 38 offences:
.. Shoplifting (29 counts)
.. Destroy or damage property (five counts)
.. Larceny (three counts)
.. Common assault
The man was refused bail.
Police will allege in court the man shoplifted a number of items from retail stores over a period of about eight months.
The value of the allegedly stolen items is more than $11,000.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Inspector David Donovan said police investigate all reports of shoplifting.
“Any form of stealing impacts individuals, businesses and the local community,” Inspector Donovan said.
“Our officers will continue to work proactively with the public and local retailers to identify and disrupt anyone committing a crime.”
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