A man will face court today after being charged with break and enter, drug and traffic offences at Rutherford.
Just after 4am last Saturday, three people broke into a four-wheel drive equipment store on Mustang Drive where several items were stolen.
Investigators believe the trio drove to the store in a Ford Territory with stolen number plates registered to another vehicle.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District stopped a vehicle of the same make travelling along the New England Highway at Rutherford around 11am yesterday.
They spoke to the driver – a 42-year-old man – and, following inquiries relating to the break and enter offence, he was arrested.
A search of the man and allegedly turned up methylamphetamine, and it was also discovered his license was disqualified.
He was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with:
• aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal <$60000,
• drive motor vehicle during disqualification period,
• use class A vehicle displaying altered number-plate,
• drive motor vehicle during disqualification period – 2nd offence, and
• possess prohibited drug.
The Rutherford man has been bail refused to appear at Maitland Local Court today.
Investigations into the incident are continuing.