Five people have been charged following an alleged break-in and arrests at a Hunter Valley winery last night.
About 6.20pm, an alarm was activated inside an industry premises that manufactures and stores fortified wine, located on Hunter Street, Muswellbrook.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District responded and found two vehicles parked outside with boxes of wine nearby. During an external check of the property, police heard voices and saw torch lights inside.
Officers entered the building and found a man in the barrel room. The 27-year-old was arrested and taken outside where a further three people – a 23-year-old woman and two men, aged 23 and 33 – were also arrested
All four people were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.
Following inquiries, officers arrested a fifth person, a 22-year-old man, just before 9.30pm at a fast food restaurant in Muswellbrook. He was also taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.
All five were charged with aggravated break, enter and steal, enter inclosed lands, and malicious damage.
They will appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Monday, October 26, 2020.
