Police have carried out a major two-day operation targeting retail theft across Northern Beaches shopping centres, arresting or detaining 21 people, including a man in possession of a box cutter and a large meat cleaver, and a mother and daughter shoplifting groceries.
In other crime news, a police operation focusing on youth crime and anti-social behaviour at 43 businesses saw 100 teenagers issued move-on notices, while investigations continue for other local crimes. Here’s what you need to know:
21 arrested or detained in retail theft operation
The Northern Beaches Proactive Crime Team conducted a targeted retail theft operation across major shopping centres in the Northern Beaches area on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 July 2026, resulting in 21 people being arrested or detained.
Of those, four people were charged and 16 received criminal infringement notices. Seventeen of the 21 were adults aged 18 or over, while four were juveniles.
Some of these incidents include:
Man charged with shoplifting and knife possession at Warringah Mall
About 12:20pm on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, police allege a 35-year-old man was seen by Loss Prevention Officers (LPO) concealing batteries in his pockets at Woolworths, Warringah Mall. He left the store and was stopped by an LPO, handing over the batteries along with a protein bar and cosmetics.
When police approached the man, they allegedly located a box cutter tucked into the waistband of his pants, which was seized. A further search of his backpack allegedly turned up a large meat cleaver.
The man was charged with shoplifting and custody of a knife in a public place, and was issued a banning notice.
Mother and daughter caught shoplifting nearly $250 worth of groceries
About 1:30pm on the same day, police allege a 41-year-old woman and her 18-year-old daughter were seen by a loss prevention officer concealing multiple grocery items in a large shopping bag inside a trolley. The pair allegedly left the store without attempting to pay for the items, valued at $247.50.
Both women were issued criminal infringement notices, along with six-month banning notices from all Woolworths and Big W stores.
Operation Ripcord targets youth crime and anti-social behaviour
Separately, Operation Ripcord, a North West Metropolitan Region initiative supporting local Police Area Commands to target, disrupt and prevent crime, saw officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command team up with the North West Metropolitan Region Operations Support Group, Region Enforcement Squad, DV High Risk Offender Team and Dog Squad for a two-day operation at major shopping centres between Thursday 16 and Friday 17 July 2026.
The operation focused mainly on youth crime and anti-social behaviour.
Police conducted 43 business inspections, with a focus on liquor stores to prevent teenagers stealing alcohol, and issued move-on directions to more than 100 teenagers.
Inquiries under Operation Ripcord continue.
Not just teens, police seek man over Dan Murphy’s theft in Mona Vale
Police are appealing for public assistance to identify a man in relation to a stealing incident at Dan Murphy’s in Mona Vale on 26 June 2026.
If you recognise this man, or have any information, contact:
- Dee Why Police Station on 02 9971 3399, or
- Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
Reports can be made anonymously. Please quote reference number C88012745.
Stolen eBike recovered within hours thanks to AirTag
A Dee Why resident’s quick thinking helped him recover his stolen eBike within hours. About 9am on Friday 10 July 2026, he secured the bike to railings at the Plaza on the corner of Howard Avenue and Pittwater Road, Dee Why. When he returned about 11pm that night, the bike was gone.
He reported the theft to police and, having fitted the bike with an AirTag, was able to track it down himself soon after, recovering it from an underground car park near the scene of the theft.
Golf clubs stolen from Bayview unit complex
Police are investigating the theft of numerous sets of golf clubs from a unit complex in Bayview between Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 July 2026. The items were taken from the underground car park and communal golf buggy and cart storage area.
Police are asking residents to keep an eye out for golf equipment being offered for sale at suspiciously low prices on social media.
Catch up on the latest:
Youth crime, e-bikes dominate Northern Beaches public safety forum
