POLICE HUNTING FOUR MEN AFTER CRIME SPREE

Police are investigating after four vehicles were stolen – with one involved in a pursuit – after several homes broken into across the Hunter Valley overnight.

The first incident reported to police occurred when a resident in Livingstone Street, Wingen, challenged a man he found in his backyard about 8pm (Monday 3 May 2021).

He chased the man from the yard but stopped when the man met up with three others, threatening the resident. The group then ran from the scene.

A short time later, officers from Hunter Valley Police District responding to the reports, were told of four males in a white SUV hatchback acting suspiciously in the Wingen area.

A second incident occurred about 8.40pm, when four males attempted to break into a granny flat in Hill Street, Wingen. The 56-year-old man who lived in the home challenged these men and chased them; however, one entered his flat and stole car keys.

About 9pm, a white Hyundai Tucson was found on fire in Eveleigh Court, Scone. Checks revealed the vehicle had been stolen from Port Macquarie on Sunday (2 May 2021).

Ten minutes later, a break and enter occurred at a home in Nyarra Street, Scone, when a couple saw a man inside their home. They later discovered jewellery and their Ford sedan missing.

Police were alerted and within five minutes, officers patrolling the New England Highway saw the vehicle being driven south towards Muswellbrook. A pursuit was initiated but was terminated after two minutes due to safety concerns.

That vehicle was found in Alpha Street, Camberwell, about 10pm after attempts had been made to set the vehicle on fire. About the same time, police were told a Nissan X-Trail – with NSW rego BI 01 ST – had been stolen from a home on the same street. This vehicle remains outstanding and police are urging anyone that sees it to call police immediately. Do not touch the vehicle.

About 10.30pm, police received reports four males were running through backyards in Singleton Heights and, 10 minutes later, a Holden Caprice was stolen from James Cook Drive. It was found about 11pm in Bourke Street, Singleton. The Caprice and XR6 have now been seized for forensic examination.

Police believe all incidents are linked and are appealing for information from the public to identify those involved. No injuries have been reported. Investigations are continuing.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.