Police have arrested and charged a man after a significant spate of vandalism through Manly and Allambie Heights overnight.
Police confirmed with Manly Observer that they received a call this morning with reports of “multiple shop fronts and vehicles along Sydney Road, Manly, being damaged overnight.”
A 39-year-old man was taken to Manly Police Station, where he is “assisting police with inquiries” they initially said, updating us later this evening that numerous charges had been laid (update at addendum).
There are reports of anywhere up to 30 cars smashed along Kentwell Road at Allambie Heights and into Pittwater Road Manly, as well as damage to the BP in Manly, then leading into the section starting on Sydney Road where numerous businesses have been vandalised.
This includes Belle Property, a crystals shop, a baby boutique as well as ANZ and other bank ATMS on the Corso.
Residents report hearing a series of loud bangs at around 6am.
Manly MP James Griffin posted on social media to say the perpetrator was not welcome in Manly.
“Monday mornings can be tough even when everything is going well, let alone waking up to your car smashed up or shopfront destroyed. I want to thank our hardworking local Police for their efforts in apprehending this person. I won’t pass judgement other than saying this behaviour is inexcusable and take it as being that you’re not welcome in Manly,” he said.
“To any shop owners or residents who need support with the Service NSW claims or any other state government agency, please feel free to call me on 9976 2773 and we will expedite your issue. Hopefully our local business owners can be up and running before too long.”
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
At 9pm this evening Police confirmed the man, a Northern Beaches local, had been formally charged.
A police statement read;
“Between 5am and 5:30am today (Monday 30 October 2023), police received multiple reports of vehicles and shop fronts along Sydney Road, Manly, being damaged.
Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command patrolled the area and following further calls located a man at Ferry Wharf.
The 39-year-old man was arrested and during a search, officers allegedly located a hammer in his possession. He was taken to Manly Police Station.
Subsequent inquiries revealed approximately 20 ATMs along with the windows of 30 vehicles and 30 businesses had allegedly been destroyed across the Norther Beaches area.
The Frenchs Forest man was charged with 39 offences including 34 counts of destroy or damage property, three counts of aggravated break and enter with intent, and two counts of aggravated enter dwelling with intent while armed.
He was refused bail to appear at Manly Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 31 October 2023).
Investigations are continuing.
