Northern Beaches Police have detected ten instances of counterfeit $50 and $100 notes presented to businesses in the area in the last month. Since August 2025 police say businesses (primarily fast food and liquor) in Dee Why, Brookvale and Freshwater had been presented with the fake notes. The notes look authentic however on close inspection the word ‘Props’ is written in small print along the base of some of the $50 notes.
A number of the counterfeit notes were detected and the people presenting them were challenged by staff however some of the notes were handed back. Police are warning the community to be wary of the circulation of counterfeit notes. It is important to note that counterfeits have no value and the bearer will not be reimbursed. Staff are encouraged to retain counterfeit notes and contact police.
Police are investigating including collating CCTV of the incidents.
Property stolen from unlocked cars
Between Sunday 21 September and Wednesday 24 September there were five incidents of property stolen from cars that were parked at Forestville, Frenchs Forest, Cromer and Manly. The thefts occurred at night and at least two of the cars were unlocked. The stolen property included a bag, jacket, and credit cards. Police are investigating the use of a stolen credit card at a fast food outlet a short time after it was taken. Owners are urged to lock their cars and hide valuables to reduce temptation for thieves.
Manly Observer is also aware of multiple break-ins in Collaroy, Farlight and Balgowlah this weekend past, with a vehicle also stolen from Balgowlah Heights. CCTV indicates these offences may have been committed by three young males.
Email compromise leads to big loss for Seaforth holidaymaker
On 5 September a Seaforth resident paid for the bulk of a holiday to Japan by direct deposit. The initial deposit was paid with a credit card. It surfaced that at some point criminals intercepted either the victim’s or overseas agency’s email and provided false bank account details to the victim via an authentic looking email. The victim transferred over $10,000. This form of fraud is referred to as Business Email Compromise and it generally involves criminals hacking into email accounts and impersonating trusted entities. Stolen funds are rarely recovered.
The community is reminded to be cautious when making direct deposits to businesses and to add an extra layer of protection by ringing a recipient to confirm bank account details.
Police are investigating.
Vehicle stop at Manly leads to drug ‘smorgasbord’
About 12.45am on Saturday 20 September General Duties police on patrol stopped a car at Cliff Street, Manly due to erratic driving. The 29 year old male driver from St Ives was disqualified and circumstances led to police searching the car. The search revealed a variety of prohibited drugs, including cannabis, LSD, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), and a sum of cash. The man was arrested and taken to Manly Police Station where he was charged with 19 charges including Dealing with proceeds of crime, Supply prohibited drug, Possess prohibited drug and Drive while licence application refused. He was refused bail by police and remanded in custody to appear at Manly Local Court on 8 October.
