This week’s local police stories see a pair arrested in Freshwater, retail theft in Belrose and a fraud alert.
Arrest and charges laid in Freshwater
On 19 October, at around 3am, police were conducting proactive patrols in Freshwater when they stopped a vehicle. The driver underwent roadside drug and alcohol testing, allegedly returning a positive result for drugs. Police then allegedly located and seized prohibited drugs, knives and housebreaking implements.
The 26-year-old driver was arrested and taken to Manly Police Station where she returned a second positive test result and was issued with a 24-hour licence suspension.
The 29-year-old passenger was also arrested and charged at Manly Police Station with various property, weapon and drug-related offences.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Hi Dad/Hi Mum scam alert
Northern Beaches Police are alerting the community regarding text message scams where perpetrators pretend to be the text message receiver’s child and ask for a favour, usually money.
On 8 October, an 81-year-old man received a text message from an unknown mobile number. The texter claimed to be his son and stated he had dropped and broken his phone. The sender asked the victim to make contact on a different phone number, which the victim subsequently did.
Further messages were then exchanged, during which the sender allegedly requested the victim make three separate money transfers. Believing he was communicating with his son, the victim transferred almost $10,000.
The scam was only discovered after the victim later contacted his son and learned that he had not been the one who sent the messages.
Northern Beaches Police remind the community to be cautious of unexpected messages requesting money, even if they appear to come from a family member or friend. If you receive such a message, independently verify the person’s identity by contacting them through a known phone number before transferring any money.
Retail theft in Belrose
Northern Beaches Police are investigating a number of alleged stealing incidents occurring at a Belrose retail store.
On 29 September, a man and woman allegedly stole a number of electronic items. On 2 October, the same man allegedly returned to the store and stole a household appliance.
Police are investigating and intend to upload images of the pair to the Northern Beaches PAC Facebook page this week.
