A new Proactive Crime Team on the Northern Beaches has conducted a two-day retail shopping operation around major shopping centres. Across Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 July, 21 people were arrested or detained as part of the operation.
One of the incidents includes a 35-year-old man allegedly shoplifting and possessing a knife in a public place. On 29 July, police allege the man was observed placing batteries in his pockets at Woolworths, Warringah Mall. He exited the store and was stopped by loss prevention officers, allegedly handing over the batteries as well as a protein bar and cosmetics.
Police also allegedly seized a box cutter and meat cleaver from the man’s possession. He was charged with shoplifting as well a custody of a knife in a public place and issued a banning notice.
On the same day and at the same store, a 41-year-old woman and her 18-year-old daughter were allegedly seen placing multiple grocery items into a shopping bag within a trolley. The pair allegedly did not attempt to pay for the items before leaving the store, with a total value of $247.50. They were issued criminal infringement notices and banning notices for a period of six months from all Woolworths and Big W stores.
Across the two-day operation, four people were charged and 16 people received criminal infringements. Most were over the age of 18 and only four were juveniles.
