A retail crime blitz carried out on the North Shore over the weekend sees Operation Percentile back in action. Ten people have been charged by police with 20 offences during the operation conducted at retail precincts in the area.
The objective of Operation Percentile is to detect, disrupt and deter retail crime offenders with the aim of preventing stock loss, protecting customers and retail workers, and deterring anti-social behaviour.
On top of the charges, a further 16 people were issued with Criminal Infringement Notices alongside a further 16 youth cautions, 64 business inspections and 25 move on directions.
One incident occurred on Thursday at around 1.20pm where a man was allegedly seen by police failing to pay for items at a Chatswood supermarket. The 19-year-old man was arrested and taken to Chatswood Police Station where he was charged and arrested with shoplifting value less than equal to $2000 and goods in personal custody suspected stolen (not motor vehicle/vessel). He was refused bail and appeared before Hornsby Local Court on Friday.
Another incident occurred on Saturday around 7.35pm at Chatswood Railway Station where police found a 35-year-old man who allegedly failed to pay his train fare. They searched his shopping bag and allegedly found a bag of methylamphetamine, several clothing items believed to have been stolen, and a device used to remove anti-theft tags from clothing. He was arrested and taken to Chatswood Police Station where he was charged with travel or attempt travel without valid ticket – adult, possess prohibited drug, goods in personal custody suspected stolen, and armed with intent to commit indictable offence. The 35-year-old will appear before Hornsby Local Court on 21 October.