Strike Force Restoration investigates break-ins

Hunter Valley police have set-up a strike force to investigate a spate of break-ins at licenced premises over the last year.

Police say there have been around 50 incidents at pubs and clubs across five local area commands since January last year.

Strike Force Restoration has been operating for three weeks ago, and investigators are keen to make their first arrest.

Detective Inspector Gary Hutchen from the property crime squad says police especially want to solve an incident from January 15 this year.

"At a club in Carrington Street, West Wallsend, an unknown male appears to have smashed a window and also attempted to gain entry to the front door of those premises," he said.

"That person is described as being 170-180cm tall, of solid to medium build, medium to dark complexion."

Northern region operations manager Inspector Tony Townsend says offenders face up to 14 years in prison.

"A lot of them are small businesses, and one break and enter can have a significant impact upon those particular businesses so we're very keen to work with the state crime command to get some results," he said.

"It's always an issue, for any break and enter, there is a high emotional impact that's why it's a serious offence.

"We're hoping to reduce it as much as we can, and we see it as a significant issue across the Hunter."

Source: ABC News, 28 February 2013