CCTV has been released as part of an investigation into an attempted armed robbery at Rutherford, as police grow concerned that the offender's actions are not only related to other crimes in the area but are also escalating.
About 11.30pm Monday August 5, police were called to a home on Waterworks Road.
Officers were told a man had threatened a 64-year-old man with a knife and demanded he hand over property. When the 64 year old refused, the other man left the scene.
Police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police believe the incident may be related to reported break and enters which occurred on the same road on Monday July 22, Thursday July 25, and Friday August 2.
As inquiries continue, police would like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with inquiries.
The man is described as being about 187cm tall with medium build and light brown hair.
He was last seen wearing a dark grey hooded jumper, light grey tracksuit pants and dark shoes, and may be wearing reading glasses.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Commander, Superintendent Wayne Humphrey addressed the media on Tuesday about the investigation.
"We believe he's the same man who's responsible for at least four other offences in that particular area, where he's visited two houses on two occasions," he said.
"He has been armed on a couple of those occasions and he has confronted occupants. On each occasion the occupant has again told him to leave and he did."
Superintendent Humphrey said the man has stolen money, credit cards and jewellery.
"On two of the occasions there was a small amount of money stolen, or a medium amount of money and a handbag and some credit cards, those haven't been used, and on the other occasion there was a small amount of jewellery taken," he said.
Superintendent Humphrey said there have been no injuries, and police believe the man is local to the area.
"It can be CCTV, it can be dashcam, anyone who has seen that man fitting that description," he said.
"I urge people to have a look at the video, he will stand out this fellow. If you know him, it can be an anonymous call, but I am concerned about the escalation level."
Anyone with information is urged to call Port Stephens-Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.
