At about 8.40pm on Sunday, police stopped a 20-year-old man on Pulteney Street, Taree, where he had allegedly been picking through property.

Police claim that the man had two hunting knives, first aid kits, a defibrillator, several fishing rods, and other medical items and tools.

He was charged with holding suspected stolen goods and knife possession, and was refused bail in court yesterday to next appear on June 10.

In an unrelated incident, police stopped and searched a four-wheel drive on Albert Street in Taree at about 10l40pm on Sunday night.

They allegedly found personal documents, tools, and a knife inside, and arrested the 29-year-old male driver.

He was charged with holding suspected stolen goods, stealing, knife possession, and driving with an expired licence.

He was bailed to appear in court on June 17.

NSW Police said extra patrols were in place in the region as floodwaters receded.

“I’d also like to remind people that taking any goods that are not yours, no matter where they are found, is an offence – even if the items have been moved from their original place by floodwaters,” Detective Inspector Natalie Antaw said.