Police started patrolling the Great Western Highway at about 4.30pm on April 24 after multiple reports that a ute was driving at speed towards Lithgow from Blackheath, flashing its headlights and hazard lights at oncoming traffic. 

Police allege that, when the vehicle was spotted by officers on the highway near Lithgow Hospital, it was driving down the centre of both lanes, forcing traffic to move out of its way. 

The ute did not pull over and evaded police. It was later found parked in a Bowenfels driveway. A 56-year-old man was later arrested, interviewed and charged in relation to the incident. 

He will face three charges, one of engaging in racing with another vehicle, one of driving recklessly at furious speed and in a manner dangerous and one count of consuming alcohol while driving. 

Jewellery and a safe were stolen from a Hassans Walls Road property between April 16-18. 

The property was thoroughly searched while the property was empty, with every room entered and many cupboards and drawers searched. 

A safe which had been bolted to the floor of a cupboard was taken in the break-in. The thieves forced their way in through a bedroom window. Police are currently waiting on the results of forensic testing on the property and investigations are continuing. 

Lithgow Police were alerted to several fights outside the Grand Central Hotel on Wednesday, April 25. 

In one incident, a 20-year-old contacted police and stated he had been beaten up at about 9pm by a group of men he had met at the pub that evening. Police are investigating the incident. 

Another brawl, involving about 15 people, occurred in the street outside the venue at about 11pm. Police investigations are continuing.