A displaced homeowner in New Lambton witnessed a shocking theft unfold in real-time thanks to a CCTV system that captured a thief raiding his home after it was deemed uninhabitable due to a landslide. Blake Pitt, 28, from Woodrising, was identified on video as he rummaged through the property on June 25. Although initially pleading not guilty to multiple charges related to the break-in, Pitt later changed his plea to guilty for the theft of items from the house. The more serious charges were dropped. He was excused from appearing in Newcastle Local Court due to illness, but faces sentencing in April.
Wayne Nesbitt, another man tied to the crime, was apprehended later after police matched DNA evidence found on a backpack and hat he left behind in a nearby yard. Like Pitt, Nesbitt also pleaded guilty to his involvement in the theft and will receive sentencing alongside Pitt. These incidents occurred during a troubling series of break-ins that targeted homes in New Lambton, which were evacuated after a significant landslide on May 23.
Wave of Break-ins Following Landslide
The looting incident on Russell Road is part of a concerning trend of thefts that plagued New Lambton in the wake of the disaster. Fifteen homes across Russell Road, Baker Street, Portland Place, and Victoria Street were declared disaster zones, forcing residents to leave their properties and seek emergency accommodation. Access to their homes was limited, with only brief opportunities to retrieve essential belongings. In the absence of proper security measures, many residents became victims of repeated thefts. One homeowner reported that their property had been looted three times, while another returned to find their home vandalized and robbed shortly after the initial evacuation.
The magnitude of the landslide and the subsequent displacement left many residents vulnerable. With no guarantees of safety for their belongings, some residents resorted to employing private security personnel to protect their homes. Unfortunately, these measures were not enough to deter thieves like Pitt and Nesbitt, who took advantage of the situation.
CCTV Footage Leads to Arrest
On the night of the theft, the victim received an alert from his CCTV app, indicating movement inside his home. Checking the live feed, he spotted Pitt navigating through his hallway equipped with a backpack, gloves, and a ski mask. Alarmed, the homeowner promptly notified the police, who responded quickly to the scene. Upon arrival, officers heard noises resembling someone attempting to breach cyclone fencing nearby.
As they approached, police observed Pitt scaling the fence in an attempt to escape the property. He managed to run about 40 meters before tripping and falling, leading to his arrest. During questioning, Pitt confessed to being inside the house and even provided a list of stolen items, which included a wallet, numerous watches, rings, other jewelry, cologne, and wireless headphones. Additionally, law enforcement discovered burglary tools, a hunting knife, and a ski mask in his possession, underscoring the premeditated nature of the crime.
Linking Nesbitt to the Crime
While police apprehended Pitt, Nesbitt was still on the run. He had been hiding nearby and attempted to escape by jumping over fences and darting through backyards. In his haste, he discarded a backpack containing six watches stolen from the victim's home. This evidence proved vital in linking him to the crime. A DNA match on the items he left behind ultimately led to Nesbitt's identification and subsequent guilty plea.
The coordinated efforts of law enforcement and the vigilant homeowner using CCTV technology played a crucial role in addressing these crimes. With both Pitt and Nesbitt now pleading guilty, the community awaits their sentencing, which is expected in April. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by residents in disaster-stricken areas and highlights the need for enhanced security measures during such critical times.
As New Lambton continues to recover from the landslide, residents are hopeful that justice will be served and that measures will be implemented to prevent future incidents of looting. The local authorities are under pressure to ensure the safety of displaced homeowners, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event.