Local police report an uptick in the number of e-bikes stolen from the Northern Beaches, as other locals inform Manly Observer perpetrators are also using tools to target the valuable lithium batteries.
On Sunday, 2 February 2025, a woman secured her e-bike with a combination lock to a pole near Coles at the Corso, Manly. After returning from her work shift, she found the lock broken and her e-bike stolen.
Police confirmed with Manly Observer that e-bike theft was increasing and advised e-bike owners to secure their e-bikes in prominent locations covered by CCTV with high pedestrian traffic.
This advice comes even though the woman had followed these steps.
Police said they will be reviewing CCTV footage to identify the offender.
Tips for e-bike owners:
- Record the serial number to aid recovery of stolen bikes.
- Install a miniature tracker on the e-bike, for example, an airtag.
- Remove the battery to make it less attractive to thieves.
- Consider using a secure council e-bike parking space.
Elsewhere on the beat…
Drug suppliers arrested at Mona Vale
On Friday, 31 January 2025, police stopped two women, aged 19 and 40, in a car at Mona Vale and had cause to search inside the vehicle where they found about one kilogram of cannabis and lesser quantities of other drugs: ketamine, MDMA, cocaine and LSD.
Police continued the investigation and executed a search warrant at the Mona Vale home of one of the women where they located a large sum of cash, more cannabis, MDMA and cocaine.
Police arrested both women and took them to Manly Police Station. The 19-year-old was charged with eight counts of Supply prohibited drug, and one count of Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime. The 40-year-old was charged with one count of Supply prohibited drug, and one count of Possess prohibited drug.
The court granted them conditional bail to appear at Manly Local Court on 26 February 2025.
Scammer claims to be from Telstra
On Tuesday, 28 January 2025, a Newport woman received a call from a man claiming to be from Telstra. He stated he was assisting with a previous fraud case and offered to help with online security. He tricked the victim into downloading an AWESUN – a malware app that provides offenders access to digital devices.
The offender convinced the victim to change her account passwords and to withdraw cash to hand over to Commonwealth Bank officials, who would attend her house. The victim gave cash to two men who pretended to be bank officials, and money was also electronically withdrawn from her account. She lost over $8,500.
Police are investigating and will rely on CCTV footage to help identify the offenders.
Scammer claims to be from ANZ Bank
On Monday, 6 January 2025, a Bayview woman reported receiving a phone call from a man impersonating someone from ANZ Bank who offered to assist with securing her account. Last month, fraudulent access to the victim’s account gave the call credibility.
The offender pretended to test the withdrawing process and convinced the victim to reveal transaction security codes that were generated by the bank. The victim checked the caller’s number and confirmed it was listed as an ANZ Bank phone number.
Later the same day, ANZ Bank contacted the victim about suspicious transactions. Almost $19,000 was withdrawn from the victim’s account and used to pay for services in Queensland. A criminal investigation is under way.
According to police, Australians are among the highest being fleeced by scammers, and they are causing financial distress to their victims, especially during the cost-of-living crises. Anyone can fall victim to a scam and further information on scams can be found at scamwatch.gov.au.
Police advise the community not to engage with unsolicited callers and to shut down conversations when unknown people request access to personal and financial information, regardless of how legitimate they seem.
Crime Watch Northern Beaches is a weekly wrap up of local crimes and incidents from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command. If you saw or can help with any of the below incidents, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or here. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. You can also contact Dee Why Police Station 9971 3399.
