Nash Steven Cobb, 35, charged over smash and grabs at Salt Ash, Williamtown and Tea Gardens

Detectives attached to a strike force investigating a series of smash and grabs on businesses, including the theft of an ATM from a tobacconist, have made a breakthrough.

The moment an ATM is ripped from the floor inside a tobacconist on Myall Rd, Tea Gardens on March 16, 2024. Picture: NBN News.

A police strike force established to investigate a series of smash and grabs from Port Stephens businesses have made a dramatic arrest at Karuah.

Strike Force Weemala was set up earlier this year to investigate at least four aggravated break and enters allegedly performed by a group of masked men.

It included the allegedly brazen theft of an ATM from a Tea Gardens tobacconist, where police allege a chain was tied to the back of a ute before it was driven away, ripping the cash machine from its hinges before at least two figures were seen to lift it onto the tray of the utility.

The investigation culminated in the arrest of 35-year-old Nash Steven Cobb at Karuah on Tuesday.

Cobb was later taken back to Raymond Terrace police station and charged with four counts of aggravated break and enter in company with intent to steal.

The man was due to face Raymond Terrace Court House. Picture: Google Maps

Police will allege Cobb was involved in the alleged smash and grab theft at the BP and Ampol service stations at Salt Ash a few months ago.

They further allege he committed the burglary of the Metro service station at Williamtown on January 15, when police allege an estimated $10,000 worth of cigarettes was stolen.

He has also been charged over the ATM theft from the Tea Gardens tobacconist in the early hours of March 16.

Cobb was due to face Raymond Terrace Local Court on Wednesday but was excused after being taken to hospital.

He has not been required to enter any pleas and was formally remanded in custody to reappear on Thursday.

Investigations by Strike Force Weemala are continuing.