A man has been charged with drug, weapon and property offences after a vehicle stop in Freshwater, while police are warning residents about a text message scam that cost an 81-year-old man almost $10,000.
Also in this week’s Crime Watch, police are investigating alleged thefts at a Belrose store, a trespass at a Frenchs Forest construction site, and a sextortion report involving a young victim.
Man charged with drug, weapon and property offences after Freshwater vehicle stop
A 29-year-old Narraweena man has been charged after police stopped a vehicle in Freshwater in the early hours of Monday, 19 October 2026.
At about 3am, Northern Beaches Police Area Command officers on proactive patrols stopped a vehicle with two occupants. The driver underwent roadside alcohol and drug testing, which returned a positive indication for drugs.
Police then searched the vehicle and both occupants, allegedly locating and seizing prohibited drugs, knives and housebreaking implements.
The passenger was arrested and taken to Manly Police Station, where he was charged with a number of property, weapon and drug-related offences.
The driver, a 26-year-old Central Coast woman, was also arrested and taken to Manly Police Station, where a second test returned a positive result. She was issued with a 24-hour licence suspension, and her sample will undergo further forensic analysis.
Police say investigations are continuing.
Police warn of “Hi Mum/Hi Dad” scam after man loses almost $10,000
Northern Beaches Police are warning the community about the “Hi Mum” or “Hi Dad” text message scam, after an 81-year-old man was targeted earlier this month.
On 8 October 2026, the man received a text from an unknown overseas mobile number. The message claimed to be from his son and said he had dropped and broken his phone, asking the man to make contact on a different number. He did so.
Further messages followed, and the scammer asked for three separate money transfers. Believing he was helping his son, the man transferred almost $10,000. The scam came to light only when he later contacted his son, who had not sent any of the messages.
Police are urging residents to be cautious of unexpected messages asking for money, even if they appear to come from a family member or friend. If you receive one, verify the person’s identity by calling a number you already know before transferring anything.
Investigations are continuing.
Police investigating alleged thefts from Belrose store
Police are investigating a number of alleged stealing incidents at a retail store in Belrose.
On 29 September 2026, a man and woman allegedly walked through the store before leaving with a number of electronic items without paying. On 2 October, the same man allegedly returned and took a household appliance, again without paying.
Police are following a number of lines of inquiry.
Man charged after allegedly trespassing on Frenchs Forest construction site
A 27-year-old Picton man has been charged with trespass and malicious damage after an incident at a Frenchs Forest construction site.
At 3:59am on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, motion sensors triggered CCTV at the site, and security contacted police. Officers arrived soon after and located two men, who ran from police. One was arrested at the scene. The other allegedly escaped in a vehicle, which was later found unattended a short distance away.
Police are continuing to investigate to identify the second man.
Sextortion warning after Avalon Beach report
Police are again warning about sextortion following a number of recent reports involving young victims.
The latest involves a 23-year-old from Avalon Beach, who was allegedly targeted after sharing intimate images with a person online. The offender demanded money and threatened to release the images if it wasn’t paid. The victim transferred money to the offender, who police inquiries revealed was offshore.
Anyone who falls victim to sextortion should not comply with demands for money, cease contact with the offender, preserve any evidence and report the matter to police immediately.
Food delivery stolen from Cromer home
Police are also appealing for information after a food delivery was stolen from a Cromer home.
The delivery arrived at about 3am on Friday, 2 October 2026, and the resident was notified. When they went to collect it at about 8am, it was gone. CCTV allegedly captured a man taking it.
Police are reminding residents to ask for deliveries to be left somewhere secure, or somewhere not openly visible from the street.
Police seek help from the community
Police investigating a reported theft from a Manly Vale store believe the man pictured may be able to help.
If you are the person pictured, or know who it is, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Separately, police want to speak to the person pictured in relation to a stealing incident at BWS in Newport on 15 September 2026.
Contact Dee Why Police Station on (02) 9971 3399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting reference C89984769.
Reports can be made anonymously.
Anyone with information on any of the above incidents can also contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website. Information can be provided anonymously.
Catch up on the latest:
Police investigating after man allegedly rushes Manly ferry wheelhouse
Teenage boy charged over repeated sexual touching allegations at Narrabeen
