Northern Beaches Crime Spree Targets Tools, Vehicles, and Online Scams

• Northern Beaches Crime
• Tool Theft
• Online Scams

From tool theft in Brookvale to online scams and e-scooter offences, here’s what’s been happening in the Northern Beaches—and how to stay safe.

Tool Thefts Surge in Brookvale—Tradespeople Urged to Protect Their Gear

Police are warning Northern Beaches residents—especially tradies—after thieves targeted three commercial vehicles parked in Brookvale between 11am on Sunday 15 June and 7am on Monday 16 June 2025. The incidents occurred on Consul Road, Old Pittwater Road, and Funda Place.

Power tools worth around $15,000 were stolen, including drills and nail guns. Authorities believe the stolen tools may soon appear on popular online trading platforms and are urging victims to stay vigilant.

In nearby Dee Why, a family-run business lost their entire ute in a separate incident. The owners, who have four children, appealed to the community for help recovering the vehicle.

To improve recovery chances, police advise residents to record serial numbers or etch their driver’s licence number onto tools. Dee Why Police Station offers a community engraver for this purpose.

Teen on E-Scooter Fined for Illegal Road Use

A 16-year-old was caught riding a privately owned e-scooter at night without lights along Pittwater Road, Collaroy, on 15 June 2025. Police issued two fines totalling $1,500 for riding an unregistered vehicle and being unlicensed.

Under NSW law, privately owned e-scooters are illegal on public roads, footpaths, and shared paths unless part of a government trial. Shared e-scooters may be used only in designated trial areas.

Teen Charged Over Armed Break-in Attempt in Frenchs Forest

In a separate incident on 17 June 2025, a 16-year-old boy was charged after allegedly attempting to break into homes in Frenchs Forest while armed with a kitchen knife. A doorbell camera captured the offender on Dakara Drive around 4am. Later, he was seen at nearby Mount Pleasant Street attempting to gain entry to another property.

Police executed a search warrant the next day and recovered a knife. The teen faces three charges, including entering a property without lawful excuse and being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence. He was refused bail and is scheduled to appear in Surry Hills Children’s Court on 23 June.

Australia Post Scam Text Leads to $500 Fraud

A Collaroy Plateau woman lost nearly $500 after receiving a scam text on 17 June, claiming Australia Post couldn’t deliver her parcel due to an incorrect postcode. The message included a link requesting a small redirection fee of 50 cents. After entering her bank details, the scammers drained her account.

Police urge residents to treat unsolicited text messages and links with extreme caution. Clicking scam links can lead to malware infection, identity theft, and financial loss.

Stay Alert, Report Suspicious Activity

The Northern Beaches Police Area Command encourages anyone with information about these or other incidents to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Calls are anonymous and confidential. Alternatively, contact Dee Why Police Station at 9971 3399.