A MAN has been charged over a string of break-ins at a Hunter retirement village.
Nathan Edwards, 29, remained behind bars on Tuesday afternoon following an appearance in Maitland Local Court on five counts of aggravated break and enter, and one charge of robbery with an offensive weapon.
Mr Edwards was arrested after police launched an investigation into several break-ins at Walka Grange - an over 55's lifestyle community on Waterworks Road at Rutherford - between July 21 and August 5.
According to court documents, Mr Edwards is accused of breaking into one female victim's home in the early hours of the morning three times between July 21 and July 25 - on the third occasion armed with a large knife.
The Rutherford man then allegedly broke into a second home at Walka Grange just after 12.40am on August 2 - again, he was allegedly carrying a blade.
Mr Edwards is also accused of allegedly robbing a man while armed with a knife on August 5, and breaking into a home on Ballard Street, Maitland, and stealing a wallet, keys, and cards on August 11.
Extensive investigations led police to raid a home on the New England Highway at Rutherford on Sunday, August 18.
Police allege they uncovered stolen items during the search.
Mr Edwards did not apply for bail - and it was formally refused - when he faced Maitland Local Court on Tuesday.
The Rutherford man was on bail for an alleged domestic violence-related assault before these latest charges were levelled at him.
He will face court again on October 16.
