March 2025 Crime Report

Ryde Police Area Command

Crime Report - Thursday 20 March 2025

** Malicious Damage – Gladesville Police Station

About 6:20pm Thursday 13 March 2025, a 24-year-old male arrived at the front door of

Gladesville Police Station carrying an electric bar heater. The male threw the heater at the

glass entry doors to the police station.

Officers exited the police station and restrained the male. He was placed under arrest and

taken into custody.

Whilst in custody, the male was observed to be highly intoxicated. Due to his intoxicated

state, the male was assessed by paramedics, and conveyed to hospital.

Upon his release from hospital, the male will be charged with Destroy or damage property

<=$2000.

** Wounding – Ryde

About 2pm Monday 17 March 2025, a 27-year-old female attended a medical centre in Top

Ryde Shopping Centre, with a 2cm stab wound to her lower left back. Police were called and

the female was conveyed to hospital.

Investigators attended the hospital and spoke with the female, who was only able to

provide limited information, due to her condition and receiving medical treatment.

As a result of information received, a search of an address in Isabel Street, Ryde was

conducted.

Investigations are continuing.

** Alleged kidnapping - Ermington plus various locations over Sydney

-Strike Force Brackley - 4 persons charged

Robbery & Serious Crime Squad detectives have charged four men following an

investigation into the alleged kidnapping of two men last year.

On Monday 11 November 2024, officers attached to Ryde Police Area Command received a

referral from the Taiwanese Consulate that a 24-year-old man had been kidnapped.

The man had contacted his father overseas indicating that he had been kidnapped and a

ransom equivalent to approximately $480,000 AUD had to been demanded to secure his

release. Inquiries revealed that a second hostage, a 26-year-old man, was also being held.

The matter was referred to State Crime Command’s Robbery & Serious Crime Squad who

established Strike Force Brackley to investigate.

About 5.45am on Tuesday 12 November 2024, strike force detectives, with assistance from

the Tactical Operations Unit, attended an address in Ermington where they located the two

hostages.

It will be alleged the men were detained and assaulted for two days over an alleged debt.

It will be further alleged one of the men was detained at a second location in Western

Sydney before being moved to the Ermington address.

A 23-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Gladesville Police Station where

he was charged with two counts of take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion

actual bodily harm.

The man was refused bail and appeared in Burwood Local Court the next day.

• Between December 2024 and March 2025, 3 further arrests have been made at various locations over Sydney. A 37-year-old male was charged with, take/detain in company with intent get advantage, occasion actual bodily harm, take/detain in company with intent to ransom, occasion actual bodily harm, use unauthorised pistol and driver not disclose identity of driver/passenger as required.

• A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with two counts of take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm, and knowingly direct activities of criminal group.

• And a 29-year-old man was arrested and charged with two counts of take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm and participate criminal group, contribute criminal activity.

• Investigations under Strike Force Brackley continue.

** Over 90 Weapons Seized – Operation Ares

On Monday 9 December 2024, the NSW Government introduced legislation to target the

possession of knives, reduce knife crime and improve the overall safety of the community.

Under the legislation, a senior police officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner or above

can declare designated places, which gives police the power to scan people for knives or

weapons without a warrant in those locations, such as,

• public transport station (including bus, train and tram stations) and surrounds;

• public transport vehicles within two scheduled stops of a designated public transport

station;

• shopping precincts;

• certain sporting venues; and

• other public places, designated by regulation, including special events and places

that are part of the night-time economy.

For the past three months, NSW Police officers have carried out Operation Ares, consisting

of high-visibility policing operations in which officers use handheld scanners or electronic

metal-detecting ‘wands’ to detect knives and other weapons.

• There have been 34 operations carried out across the state. In total, 4147 people have been scanned, 

• with 91 unlawful weapons seized, and

• 67 people have been charged with 71 weapons offences laid.

• Police have seized an array of weapons including Tasers (conducted energy device), sling shots, knuckle dusters, machetes, folding/utility knives and kitchen knives.

Police can request that a person produce a metal object, if detected, while in a designated

place and failure to comply may result in a maximum penalty of a fine of $5500.

Penalties of up to $11,000 or imprisonment of up to 4 years can apply for carrying a knife

without a reasonable excuse.

The legislation also made it illegal to sell knives to a child under the age of 18, with

exemptions for retailers selling to young people who need a knife for their work or study.

The penalties for selling knives to juveniles was also increased.

*********

Ryde Police Area Command

Crime Report - Thursday 13 March 2025

About 6:50pm on Thursday 06 March 2025, two cleaners attended Gladesville Public School to perform their duties. Upon arrival they were confronted by two unidentified male juveniles wearing medical masks. The male juveniles threw water bottles at the cleaners.

The cleaners later observed the juveniles inside a school building but were too intimidated to approach them or contact police.

When staff entered the school’s office in the morning of Friday 07 March 2025, two handwritten notes with derogatory phrases and offensive symbols on them, were located. Staff also observed a whiteboard to have an offensive symbol drawn on it.

Police attended and a crime scene was established. Various exhibits were seized for further examination.

An investigation is currently underway. CCTV obtained from the school is under review. Anyone with information relating to this incident or similar incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

** School Shooting Hoax – Various schools

About 9:10pm on Sunday 09 March 2025, a post was made on Google Classroom in which threats of a school shooting were made. This account belongs to a student. Police spoke with the student and investigations eliminated him as the author of the post. Identical threats were made through the Google Classroom account of another student at a different school which were reported on to police on Monday 10 March 2025. Again, this student was eliminated as the author of the post.

On Monday 10 March 2025, an overt police presence was provided at each school in response to the threats, in addition to enquiries being conducted by investigators onsite.

White level inspections were completed, with nothing of interest located.

Enquiries have identified that both students accounts emails were involved in a data breach resulting from a phishing campaign. Further investigation into the source of the threats is being conducted by Detectives attached to Ryde Police Area Command, with the assistance of the Cyber Crime Squad and the Department of Education Cyber Team.

Anyone with information relating to this incident or similar incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

** Motor Vehicle Crash – West Ryde

About 9:55am on Wednesday 12 March 2025, a white Toyota Yaris was travelling west-bound on Victoria Road, when it collided with a white Nissan X-Trail travelling in the same direction. The Toyota Yaris then crossed over the median strip and travelled on the wrong side of the road, colliding with an oncoming grey Volkswagen Golf. Police, Fire & Rescue and NSW Ambulance attended. All occupants were assisted out of their vehicles.

Highway Patrol and Traffic Management Command assisted with traffic management, setting up diversions of all east-bound traffic on Victoria Road onto Marsden Road, West Ryde.

The driver (and sole occupant) of the Toyota Yaris, a 47-year-old male, was conveyed to hospital with possible fractures to his left leg. The driver (and sole occupant) of the Nissan X-Trail, a 47-year-old male, did not sustain any visible injuries.

The driver (and sole occupant) of the Volkswagen Golf, a 54-yaer-old male, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and later transported to hospital with possible rib and collarbone fractures. The Toyota Yaris was towed for mechanical examination and assessment. Anyone with dash-cam footage of the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

** Charges laid in relation to Pro-Palestine Graffiti – Meadowbank

Following an extensive investigation into multiple reports of graffiti located around the Meadowbank area, a 74-year-old man from Meadowbank has been arrested and charged with 10 counts of destroy/damage property.

The 74-year-old male is scheduled to appear before Burwood Local Court on 07 April 2025.

Ryde Police Area Command would like to extend their gratitude to the community for your assistance with this investigation.

** 14 arrested and charged – Strike Force Pearl

Fourteen people have been arrested and charged with 65 offences following investigations into anti-semitic incidents across Sydney’s east.

Strike Force Pearl was established in December 2024 by officers attached to the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command – with support provided by Central Metropolitan Region, State Crime Command and State Intelligence Command – to investigate religious motivated arson attacks and offensive graffiti across the Eastern Suburbs between October

2024 and February 2025.

Following inquiries, Strike Force Pearl investigators executed 11 simultaneous search warrants and three firearm prohibition orders – with assistance at five premises from the Australian Federal Police – across Sydney on Monday 10 March 2025, arresting 14 people.

** Operation Waratah 3 – Targeting public transport offenders

Police have commenced Operation Waratah 3 as they continue to target the state’s worst public transport offenders.

Officers attached to Police Transport Command commenced Operation Waratah 3 in March 2025 following the success of previous operations.

Operation Waratah 3 will focus on targeting offenders involved in assaults and sexual touching incidents across the transport network including trains, buses and the Metro.

As part of the operation, police are releasing images of several people who may be able to assist with investigations.

***

Crime Report - Thursday 6 March 2025

**Hate Crime – Ermington

About 8pm on Thursday 27 February 2025, a police report was made of a white utility displaying a large sticker of a blue Israel flag with a red prohibited symbol across it. Police attended the location and tracked down the owner of the vehicle, owner was spoken to by police and made aware to remove the sticker.

Legal advice was sorted, and no state or federal laws have been broken.

Anyone with information relating to this incident or similar incidents is urged to contact

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is

treated in strict confidence.

**Break and Enter – Carlingford

About 5am on Saturday 1 March 2025, emergency services responded to a male offender armed with multiple tools attempting to break into an ATM located at Carlingford Shopping

Centre. Whilst at the location the male has used an angle grinder and other weapons to attempt to break into the ATM, all were unsuccessful. The offender proceeded to break into a store within the vicinity, attempting to steal from another safe, again being unsuccessful.

The offender was sighted leaving the location in a Blue Audi.

A crime scene was established at the Carlingford location and CCTV was obtained. Further investigations will be conducted by Ryde Detectives.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on

1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

**Aggravated Break and Enter – Ryde

About 4:30AM on Tuesday 4 March 2025, two male offenders have broken into two properties located in Ryde but were disturbed by the occupants and have fled from the location. Emergency services were called and responded; specialist resources were tasked to assist with the search of the offenders but were not successful.

Crime scene unit attendance was requested at both locations and police have canvassed the vicinity for CCTV. Further investigations will be conducted by Ryde Detectives.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on

1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Information is treated in strict confidence.

** Breach of Bail Conditions – Ryde

About 3pm on Sunday 2 March 2025, emergency services were called to a Ryde address where they have located a male on private property. Police identified the 37 year old male

to be breaching his bail conditions, police placed the offender under arrest. During the arrest, an officer has suffered minor injuries to his knee. Male offender has been handcuffed

and treated by NSW Paramedics for his mental health. Offender was conveyed to Westmead Hospital for further treatment.

Police charged the 37 year old male with breach of bail, resist police officer in execution of duties and trespass.

**Multi Vehicle Crash – Ryde

About 8.15am on Wednesday 5 March 2025), officers attached to Ryde Police Area Command were patrolling Evans Road, Telopea, when they have located a vehicle believed to be stolen from Lane Cove on Friday 21 February 2025.

When police approached to stop the vehicle, one of the two occupants allegedly left the scene on foot while the other failed to stop and left the scene in the vehicle. When the vehicle failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated however, it was terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.

A short time later, police were called to Kissing Point Road, Dundas, following reports of a two-vehicle crash. On arrival, police located the sedan abandoned on the road along with

several other vehicles being damages.

A passenger of one of the vehicles - a 17-year-old girl - was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene. There were no other injuries reported.

A crime scene was established, and the sedan was seized to be forensically examined.

Following inquiries, police arrested the alleged 24-year-old driver on Mitchell Street, Ermington. He was taken to Gladesville Police Station where he was charged with, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, drive motor vehicle while licence suspended, learner not accompanied bydriver/police officer/tester, learner driver not display “L” plates as prescribed, and negligent driving. He was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday 6 March 2025.

**Crime Prevention Tip – Preventing Bike Theft

Police have noticed an increase in bike thefts, when being stored at train stations for extended periods, police urge owners to take proactive measures to deter theft and protect belongings.

**Some strategies to assist:**

- Know your serial number

- Engrave or mark your bike with a unique identifier

- Never leave your bike unsecured

- Adding an air tag or tracking device to the seat of your bike

- Park your bike in a well-lit and populated area

February  2025 Crime Report

Thursday 20 February 2025

**Malicious Damage - Epping

About 5am on Friday 14 February 2025, a vehicle parked on Derby Street, Epping, was damaged by black paint. The graffiti tag “BDG” was located on the vehicle’s doors, bonnet and roof.

The residence the vehicle was parked outside also had paint splattered on the fence and front door.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

**Motor vehicle crash – Cheltenham

About 7.20am on Sunday 16 February 2025, emergency services were called to Beecroft Road, Cheltenham where a motorcycle and a van had collided.The motorcycle rider – a 33-year-old man – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Royal North Shore Hospital with serious injuries including fractures. The driver of the van – a 17-year-old boy – was uninjured.

Officers attached to Ryde Police Area Command established a crime scene, with officers attached to the Crash Investigation Unit now commencing inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

As inquiries are ongoing, police hope to speak with two women who stopped to assist the motorcycle rider, as they hope they can assist with inquiries.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on

1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

**Armed robbery – Gladesville

About 11:50am on Tuesday 17 February 2025, a 30-year-old male entered a mixed business on Victoria Road, Gladesville.

The 30-year-old male pointed what appeared to be a firearm at a 39-year-old female behind the counter and demanded money. The female grabbed the barrel of the firearm and a short struggle ensued.

The male obtained an amount of cash, before running out of the store and into a nearby residence on Flagstaff Street. A witness observed the male enter the rear yard of the residence. Plain clothes officers attached to Ryde Police Area Command were patrolling the area when the witness indicated where the male had entered. A short time later the 30-year-old male was arrested without incident. The 30-year-old male was searched; however, no firearm or proceeds were located.

The NSW Police Dog Unit attended and tracked through the year yard of the residence on Flagstaff Street. A black ‘gel blaster’, proceeds from the robbery and clothing worn by the male during the robbery were located.

Crime scenes were established at the mixed business on Victoria Road, and on Flagstaff Street. Multiple exhibits were sized for forensic examination.

The male was conveyed to Gladesville Police Station where he was charged with assault with intent to rob while armed with dangerous weapon and possess unauthorised pistol. He was bail refused to appear before Burwood Local Court on Thursday 18 February 2025.

**Vehicle fire – Ermington

About 5:45pm Tuesday 18 February 2025, emergency services responded to a single vehiclefire at the intersection of Victoria Road and Bundil Boulevard, Ermington.The white van was travelling westbound when the engine compartment caught fire.

The driver mounted the kerbside and bought the vehicle to a stop. Emergency services attended and extinguished the fire.

The vehicle sustained significant fire damage to the front drivers and passenger seat area and dashboard. The driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, sustained burns to his back and left arm. The driver, a 22-year-old male, was transport by ambulance to Concord Hospital in a serious but stable condition, with non-life-threatening injuries.

Traffic diversions were put in place on Victoria Road until the vehicle was able to be towed from the scene.

Initial investigations indicate the fire was a direct result of unauthorised modifications of the vehicle.

**Stolen vehicle - Oatlands

Sometime between 7:15pm and 9:10pm on Saturday 23 November 2024, a silver Mercedes coupe was stolen from a residence on Volmer Street, Oatlands.

On the morning of Thursday 13 February 2025, the vehicle was located on Riverpark Drive, Liverpool. The vehicle was seized for forensic examination and towed to a secure location.

Scene of crime officers located a number of items of interest, consistent with items which may be used to detain a person against their will.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on

1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

**Appeal for information – Strike Force Institutes

Police are appealing for public assistance after an armed home invasion in Carlingford last month. About 11pm on Thursday 23 January 2025, police were called to Tomah Street, Carlingford, following reports of a home invasion.

Officers attached to Ryde Police Area Command arrived and were told three masked men – armed with firearms and knives – entered the home and restrained four occupants.

After ransacking the home, the three men allegedly left with an amount of cash and property after being confronted by an occupant who managed to free themself. The armed men left in a white van.All four occupants were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor injuries.

An investigation into the incident commenced by detectives attached to Ryde Police Area Command under Strike Force Institutes.

As inquiries continue, investigators have released vision of a white van and three men who may be able to assist with the investigation.

The first man is described as Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, solid build, wearing all dark clothing and dark balaclava. The second man is described as African appearance, about 180cm tall, slim build, wearing all dark clothing and dark balaclava. The third man is described only as Middle Eastern appearance.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

**Crime Prevention Tip – Overseas Drivers Licence

Do you know the current policy for driving on your overseas licence in NSW?

If you moved to NSW prior to 1 July 2023, you have until 28 February 2025 to get a NSW driver’s licence to continue driving.

Just arrived? You need to get a NSW driver’s licence within 6 months.

For more information visit: Visiting or moving to NSW | NSW Government

****

2025 - 1 January

New Stalking Legislation - Stalking

It is an offence to use technology to monitor or track the movements and activities of another person.

Stalking means:

• Physically following a person.

• Watching or frequenting a person’s place of residence, business or work, or any place a person attends for any social or leisure activity. This includes watching or frequenting the vicinity of or approach to these places.

• Persistently contacting the person via technical means.

The definition of stalking was expanded on 1 December 2024. It now includes:

• The monitoring or tracking a person’s activities, communications, or movements whether by using technology or in another way, and whether or not the monitoring or tracking involves contacting or otherwise approaching the person.

2025 - 9 January

Ryde Police Area Command  

Unlicensed teen – Marsfield 

Operation Christmas/New Year 2024 commenced at 12.01am Friday 20 December 2024 and concluded at 11.59pm Wednesday 1 January 2025. 

Double demerit points were in force for the duration of the operation for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences. 

About 10.33pm Wednesday 1 January 2025, officers attached to Ryde Traffic and Highway Patrol were conducting stationary RBT (Random Breath Testing) on Epping Road, Marsfield. During the operation it is alleged a motorcyclist failed to stop when directed. Police initiated a pursuit, during which the rider is alleged to have been detected riding at 120km/h in a 70km/h zone. 

During the pursuit the motorcycle has mounted a kerb and crashed. The rider, a 17-year-old boy, was treated for minor injuries by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being arrested and taken to Gladesville Police Station. He was charged with not stop vehicle when directed to do so, police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, negligent driving no death or grievous bodily harm, forge driver licence, driver or rider state false name or home address, motor bike rider not wear/secure fit approved helmet and never licenced person drive vehicle on road. 

The teen was granted strict conditional bail to appear before children’s court on Monday 10 February 2025. 

Unauthorised protest – Epping 

On Sunday 15 December 2024, Police responded to alleged assault at a café in Epping. The incident relating to a civil dispute between the previous leasee and current leasee. 

About 7am on Friday 03 January 2025, a group of about 10 unauthorised protestors congregated on the street outside the café, holding signs and attempting to dissuade customers from entering the café. As the group had not submitted the appropriate documentation for notice of intention to hold a public assembly, they dispersed without incident. 

A meeting with the City of Parramatta Council Deputy Mayor was scheduled with individuals involved in the dispute. 

Hate Crime Graffiti – Meadowbank 

On Tuesday 07 January 2025, police were made aware of Hate Crime graffiti which had been sprayed on the barrier, surrounding a construction site on the corner of Railway and Constitution Roads, Meadowbank. 

The graffiti was promptly removed by The City of Ryde Council. 

Anyone with information relating to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. 

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages. 

Motor vehicle accident – Ryde 

About 2:30am on Thursday 09 January 2025, Police attended a single vehicle crash on Victoria Road. Ryde. Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed the vehicle to have deviated from the roadway, collide with a pole and overturn. The collision caused extensive damage to public infrastructure. 

The driver, the sole occupant, was assessed by NSW Ambulance Paramedics and deemed to have sustained no injuries. 

The driver advised Police he had been using his mobile phone at the time of the crash. The driver was subjected to a roadside breath, which he failed. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to the police station, where he participated in breath analysis. The driver was charged with driving with middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol and negligent driving. 

The driver's licence was suspended and he is scheduled to appear before Burwood Local Court on 18 February 2025. 

2024 - December 

Hills Police Area Command

 30 December 2024

 Steal keys, Vehicle & items from open residential door in Meadowbank

Arrest and charge of a teenager following police pursuit at Northmead in a vehicle stolen from Meadowbank after obtaining keys from inside the residence.

**Background:**

About 3am on 30/12/2024, general-duties officers from The Hills PAC were patrolling Old Windsor Rd at Northmead when they sighted a white Kia Optima . They attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver, a teenager, refused to stop and a police pursuit ensued. At the end of Campbell St., Northmead the vehicle came to a stop with the teenager and another unknown male exiting and running towards the grounds of the Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School . The other male successfully scaled the school fence and made good his escape. After being covered with a taser, the teenager was arrested. Enquiries established that the vehicle had been stolen from a residence in Meadowbank. Entry had been gained to the residence via an open ground floor balcony door with the vehicle keys and other items stolen. A search of the vehicle located several watches and other items of jewellery suspected of being stolen from other unreported break and enter offences.

**Current Position:**

The teenager was taken to Castle Hill Police Station. He was charged with police pursuit, stealing property in a dwelling house, taking and driving a conveyance without consent, and never having been licensed to drive on the road. And will appear in a Children’s Court. Ryde Police Area Command Parramatta Police Area Command

December 2024 Crime report

Friday, 13 December 2024 07:18:55 AM

Man charged after police seize more than 70 firearms, weapons in Denistone East
A man will face court today after police seized more than 70 firearms and weapons in Sydney’s north west.
Following an investigation into alleged prohibited weapons and firearms, about 9am yesterday (Thursday 12 December 2024) officers attached to Ryde Police Area Command executed a search warrant at a house on Cecil Street, Denistone East, with the assistance of North West Metropolitan Region Operational Support Group.
Police searched the property and located a total of 27 firearms, 45 other prohibited weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
All items were seized for forensic examination.
A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene and was taken to Gladesville Police Station.
He was charged with two counts of category C, D or H licensee not comply with storage needs, two counts of holder of Category A or B licence not have approved storage, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, intentionally import prohibited tier 1 goods and intentionally import prohibited tier 2 goods.
He was refused bail to appear before Burwood Local Court today (Friday 13 December 2024).

CRIME REPORT RYDE DISTRICT 

April - June 2024

March 2024 - Crime Report

February 2024 - Crime Report

Shopping scams are big business for cyber criminals. How big? According to a recent report by the ACCC, the reported losses from online shopping scams in Australia were well over $4 million each year.

Scammers often try to take advantage of busy times, such as people catching the latest sales. Commonly targeted items include shoes, smartphones and other electronic goods.

One of the ways they do this is by creating fake websites, where they advertise goods and services which are poor quality or unsafe, or goods that will never be delivered.

To get attention, they’ll often advertise with images of well-known products at much cheaper prices than usual, luring customers to go to their site.

These scammers will often advertise their websites on social media platforms, especially Facebook, so they’ll be seen and shared by a vast majority of people. It’s also quite common for scammers to send out a link to the site through phishing emails.

Once you make a ‘purchase’ on the website, the scammers will use your personal information and card details you enter which can then be used to steal money or commit identity theft.

Chances are you’ll never receive the item you bought or, if you do, it will be of very poor quality or broken.

Protect yourself. Never pay for anything online via a bank or wire transfer. Only pay through a secure method such as a credit card or PayPal. For example, if you’re using eBay and the domain name is anything other than ebay.com.au, it’s fake.

Check for a green secure padlock in the address bar. Any secure payment site should have this. This way your payment is protected. If the seller takes you to a separate website for payment, check the URL in the address bar.

Make sure you read the website’s terms and conditions regarding payments to see if and how your purchase is protected.

Warning signs

The scam email or message you received may pretend to be from a large organisation you trust to make the scam more believable. You should be suspicious of the email or message if it was:

• Unexpected or

• pressures you into taking urgent action, for example, urgently paying an invoice

• is sent from an address that seems irregular for the sender

• is an address that the sender hasn’t used in previous messages to you

• is not addressed to you personally

• has poor spelling or grammar

• is inconsistent with other messages you have received from the sender

• has payment details that are different from previous emails from the sender.

Friday 12 January 2024 - Crime Report

About 7pm on Saturday the 6th of January 2024, a 52-year-old male exposed himself to a

number of adults and children the common area of short-term accommodation.

Police located the male a short distance from scene. The male was searched, and a box

cutter knife was located in his possession.

The male was charged with ‘Wilful and obscene exposure in/near public place; Custody of

knife in public place (1st offence); Intentionally do sexual act with child >10yrs & <16yrs.’

He was bail refused, appearing before Burwood Local Court on Monday 08 January 2024.

About 12:30pm Wednesday the 10th of January 2024 a 12-year-old female entered the

change room of the Cotton On Mega Store, Macquarie Centre. A male followed her into the

change room and entered the stall next to her. The male placed his mobile phone over the

top of the shared stall wall and began recording the young female. The female noticed the

mobile phone, exited the stall and confronted the male, who abruptly exited the change

rooms and store.

The male is described as Caucasian appearance, between the ages of 35-40, about 180cm

tall with a medium build, bald head, with a brown coloured beard and wearing a blue

coloured "Calvin Klein" branded t-shirt, long black tracksuit style pants, and brown thongs,

carrying a white tote style bag.

Anyone with information that may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800

333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

At the end of November 2023, a 68-year-old male met someone on Facebook claiming to be

a 36-year-old female, investment expert. The conversation moved to the mobile messenger

application ‘WhatsApp’.

The female told the male that her company installed data analysis software for a share

trading company based out of Singapore. The female told the male that when reviewing the

data from the software, she observed “above-average” profits. The female sent the male a

report which showed the company returned a minimum 10-15% profit on every investment.

The female asked the 68-year-old male if he would like to join in their investment success.

The male was initially hesitant to participate, having previously been defrauded a

substantial amount of money. The female finally convinced the male to participate, and the

male invested approximately $20,000.

The following week the female offered to lend the male money to allow him to keep

investing after suffering a loss the week before. The female instructed the male to transfer

the money into a third-party account.

Eventually, when the male attempted to withdraw money from the investment platform, he

was denied access. When the male questioned the female about this, he was accused of

money laundering, the female referring to the transferring of funds into the third-party

account.

The male was asked to deposit a security bond to re-access his account. When the male told

the female he was unable to do so the male was threatened with action by the company’s

legal team.

*If the scam originates in NSW, you can report this to the NSW Police Force by visiting your

local police station or calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. Reports can also be

made to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at www.cyber.gov.au*

Two men charged following an investigation into alleged murder plot by contracted

criminal cell. State Crime Command detectives have charged two men, executed four search warrants, and foiled an alleged murder plot as part of inquiries under Strike Force Tromperie, Strike Force Veil and Strike Force Ballyana.

In December 2022, State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad – together with the

NSW Crime Commission – established Strike Force Tromperie to investigate the activities of

an international criminal syndicate hailing from Lebanon.

To date, 28 people have been charged for organised crime related offences and remain

before the courts. During inquiries under Strike Force Tromperie, detectives identified a 26-year-old man was allegedly coordinating an off-shoot criminal cell who were taking on contract work – sometimes from rival criminal networks – to carry out serious and violent crime such as murders and kidnappings on their behalf.

Police will allege in court the criminal cell were conspiring to murder four high-profile men

from Sydney’s north-west on behalf of another network.

Police will also allege the group were linked to a kidnapping in March 2023, and an alleged

attempted kidnapping over a 722kg importation of cocaine seized by police in Ryde, which

State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad investigated under Strike Force

Ballyana and Strike Force Veil.

Anti-social behaviour has been the focus this summer, as police aim to keep Sydney’s public

transport network safe this holiday season.

The Police Transport and Public Safety Command (PT&PS) – with the assistance of Sydney

Trains – have launched Operation Rampart; a proactive and high-impact operation focussing

on reducing crime on the public transport network.

The three-month operation commenced on Monday 27 November 2023 and will run until

Friday 16 February 2024 and will specifically target issues such as general anti-social

behaviour, assaults, property offences, and buffer riding.

PT&PSC Southwest Commander, Superintendent Mark Wall, said the operation has been

allocated substantial resources as transport safety remains an area of major concern.

“The PT&PS Command and Sydney Trains have entered into an agreement that saw the

commencement of both Operation Rampart and the Enhanced Enforcement Program (EEP).

“The EEP provides additional funded shifts designed for officers tasked to patrol the railway

lines and particularly target those committing buffer riding offences.

“The message is simple; don’t put your life at risk trying to impress your friends, or with the

goal of getting ‘views’ on social media,” Superintendent Mark Wall said.

Transport for NSW Secretary, Josh Murray said “Last year we saw 27 incidents of people

‘buffer riding’ or ‘roof riding’ on our light rail vehicles. This is far from harmless fun, or

content for a social media reel – it puts the safety of passengers, staff and the person

themselves at serious risk,”

“People who hold onto the light rail while on a bike or scooter are duelling with danger.

Despite their name, light rail vehicles weigh a minimum of 40 tonnes when empty, so are

anything but light, if the  tram comes into contact with a person, bike, scooter or skateboard.”

“Warning signs against buffer riding are installed on light rail vehicles for a reason – people

breaking the rules can easily fall and suffer serious injuries or die, and those climbing on the

vehicles run high risk of electrocution.”

Sydney Trains Head of Security and Intelligence, Jess Sharpe said “Anti-social behaviour and

buffer riding cause huge delays to the rail network preventing passengers from getting to

work or home in a timely way. So far this year anti-social behaviour caused, nearly 11-

thousand minutes in delays that equates to nearly 8 days’ worth of delays. And incidents of

trespassing into the rail corridor have cause 24 days’ worth of delays on the network in the

past year.”

“We work closely with the Police Transport Command to target and deter anti-social

behaviour as well as criminal behaviour and provide CCTV footage to help identify any risk

takers.”

“We have seen a rise in buffer riding incidents during the school holidays. Our trains

weigh 400 tonnes and travel up to 110km/h. This is an extremely dangerous thing to do.

People risk being seriously injured or killed all for a silly thrill. It is not worth it.”

“The impact these stupid acts have on our staff cannot be put into words. They are very

traumatic at the very least.”

 Friday 05 January 2024 - Crime Report

Operation New Year’s Eve 2023 commenced Sunday 31 December 2023, to ensure safety as

significant crowds converged on the CBD, Sydney Harbour foreshore and at events across

the state.

General duties officers from multiple police area commands and districts across the state were assisted by Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, the

Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Licensing Police, Mounted and Dog

Command, Marine Area Command, and PolAir.

Over 225,000 people took advantage of the vantage points around the harbour foreshore throughout the afternoon and evening to enjoy the 9pm and midnight fireworks displays.

Across the CBD and Sydney Harbour foreshore, 19 arrests were made for various offences, including assault and drug offences.

Operation New Year’s Eve 2023 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke, said most members of the public were well behaved throughout the evening.

A man has died following a fire in a Meadowbank unit.

About 3.30pm Monday 1 January 2024, emergency services were called to a unit block on Angas Street, Meadowbank, following reports of a unit alight. Officers attached to Ryde Police Area Command attended and evacuated the building.

Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze, located on the top floor of the building, a short time later.

A 45-year-old man, located inside the unit, was treated on the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for significant injuries.

He was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition, where he later died.

An investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the fire; however, the cause is not yet known. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Alleged gunman charged over fatal shooting of Alen Moradian -

Task Force Magnus detectives have charged three men for their alleged involvement in the criminal enterprise responsible for the fatal shooting of Alen Moradian – including the man who allegedly pulled the trigger.

About 8.30am on Tuesday 27 June 2023, emergency services were called to Spring Street in Bondi Junction, following reports a man had been shot while sitting in a stationary vehicle in

an underground carpark.

The man – who died at the scene – has since been identified as 48-year-old Alen Moradian. A short time later, police located a burnt-out Porsche nearby in Bondi Junction and a burnt-out Holden Cruze in Zetland.

Three crime scenes were subsequently established and forensically examined by specialist police. Officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command – with assistance from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad – commenced inquiries before the matter was taken carriage of by Task Force Magnus under Strike Force Parachuter.

Task Force Magnus was established in July as a policing strategy to target and disrupt gun-related and violent crime, and to investigate links between recent organised criminal activity

in Sydney – including the fatal shooting of Alen Moradian.

Following extensive inquiries, about 8.40pm Tuesday 2 January 2024, task force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – attended an address in Macquarie Park where they arrested two men, aged 27 and 28.

During a number of search warrants in Macquarie Park, officers seized 1.5kg of cocaine, 844 grams of Methylamphetamine, three DECCDs, and a pistol with 23 rounds of ammunition.

The men were taken to Gladesville Police Station, where the younger man was charged with eight firearm and drug related offences and participating in a criminal group.

The 28-year-old man was charged with drug-related offences and participating in a criminal group.

Both men were refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 3 January 2024.

About 3.50am Wednesday 03 January 2024, task force detectives – with assistance from Tactical Operations Unit – attended an address in Fairfield Heights, where they arrested a 24-year-old man. He was taken to Fairfield Police Station where he was charged with five offences including murder, drug and firearm related offences, and participating in a criminal group.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court.

Police will allege in court the 24-year-old man was the principal offender – or gunman – in the murder of Alen Moradian.

Police concerned by dangerous driving over festive period

Police are urging the community to think of others on the road after a significant number of dangerous driving incidents across the State during the road safety enforcement operation

over the festive season.

Operation Christmas/New Year 2023 commenced at 12.00am Friday 22 December 2023 and concluded at 11.59pm on Monday 1 January 2024. Double demerit points were in force for the duration of the operation for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.

The Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, together with local police, patrolled roads across the state, targeting dangerous driving behaviour and risks on the roads – with the aim of

preventing injury and death.

During the period, police saw a concerning number of dangerous driving incidents, including excessive speed, high-range drink-driving, and reckless driving.

Police issued 8069 speed infringements, laid 631 drink-driving charges and 1374 drug-driving charges, attended 740 major crashes, and conducted 342,102 breath tests.

Five people died in crashes over the period, three fewer than during the operation last year.

Learned Behaviour - Know your limits

Not to Drink or take drugs and then Drive.

Solution: Plan B - No Driving if Alcohol or drugs consumed.