Following the execution of a search warrant in Anna Bay, police have charged a 51-year-old man for an alleged holiday rental scam on the Northern Beaches.
On Monday 17 February 2025, officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command began an investigation codenamed ‘Strike Force Woodarra’ following reports of an alleged scam.
A total of 31 victims lost over $500,000 in a holiday rental scam operating on the Northern Beaches. Earlier, we reported here that victims paid deposits on the assumption they were getting a short stay at a Northern Beaches holiday house. Several of these alleged victims turned up to the advertised properties to find they were permanently occupied by residents with no knowledge of the rental agreements. Others engaged the business to rent their properties out as holiday rentals and did not receive rental income.
Following inquiries by police, officers executed a search warrant in Argyle Avenue, Anna Bay on Thursday 13 March 2025.
Officers arrested the alleged offender and took him to Nelson Bay Police Station, where he was charged with 31 counts of ‘dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception’ and one count of ‘contravene AVO’.
The court granted him conditional bail to appear at Manly Local Court on Wednesday 30 April 2025.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Elsewhere in this week’s Crime Watch Northern Beaches…
Jewellery stolen during daylight break-in
An unknown person forced their way into a home on Clontarf Street, North Balgowlah between 9:15am and 2:30pm on Friday 7 March 2025.
The offender, described as having a large build and wearing an orange and beige hoodie, removed a safe that contained a significant quantity of jewellery.
An occupant was home asleep and wasn’t disturbed during the break-in.
Forensic police examined the scene, and they canvassed the area. Police are appealing to witnesses to the incident to come forward.
Bus driver assaulted at Long Reef
About 11:30pm on Friday, 7 March 2025, a bus driver on the northbound 199 route stopped to pick up passengers at Long Reef.
A group of teenagers got on board and allegedly tried to the delay the bus so other teens could board. The driver attempted to continue driving, and they were surrounded and abused by a group of young people.
Police caught up with the bus, but the young people were no longer on board. The driver was not seriously injured.
Police have said this type of behaviour is intolerable and has no place on the local bus network where people are entitled to feel safe to travel. CCTV footage was obtained and police believe they have now identified the suspects. Further action is pending. Witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Dee Why Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
GPS tracker used to recover stolen e-bike at Brookvale
On Saturday, 8 March 2025, an e-bike was stolen from a Manly Vale unit complex, despite it being secured with a chain.
Later that same date, the owner of the e-bike used a GPS tracker to find the e-bike on the lawn outside a Brookvale home. The owner took back the e-bike and reported the matter to police.
There is insufficient evidence to lay charges against anyone. However, the GPS tracker hidden in the e-bike proved to be a good investment for the owner. Something other e-bike owners should consider, according to the police.
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.
