Tag: police

Local Businesses Hit as Man Faces 25 Charges Following Northern Beaches Crime Spree

Four Allambie Heights businesses were among 13 local establishments targeted during a five-day crime spree that has resulted in a 23-year-old man facing 25 separate charges.

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The alleged offences occurred between 16 and 22 July, with Northern Beaches Police Area Command launching an investigation into multiple break and enter incidents across several suburbs including our local area.

According to police allegations, the man broke into businesses across Allambie Heights, Forestville, Elanora Heights and Freshwater between 18 and 22 July, with investigators claiming more than $15,000 in cash was stolen during these incidents. Four businesses in our suburb were allegedly targeted during this period.

The crime spree extended beyond the Northern Beaches, with police also alleging the man broke into two locations in West Pennant Hills between 16 and 18 July, where a white hatchback and silver SUV were reportedly stolen.

Police arrested the man on Pennant Hills Road in West Pennant Hills at approximately 9am on 23 July. He was initially taken to Hornsby Hospital under police guard for assessment.

Following his release from hospital on 6 August, the man was charged at Hornsby Police Station with 25 offences. These include 13 counts of break and enter, multiple charges related to driving stolen vehicles, four counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception, and several other related charges including having his face blackened or disguised with intent to commit an indictable offence.

The accused appeared at Hornsby Local Court on 7 August where he was refused bail. He is scheduled to appear again at the same court on 21 August.

The incidents highlight ongoing concerns about property crime in the Northern Beaches area. According to crime statistics, there were 382 reported cases of burglary and break and enter offences in the Northern Beaches during 2024.

Local business owners are reminded to review their security measures and report any suspicious activity to police immediately. Northern Beaches Police Area Command can be contacted on the non-emergency line or through Crime Stoppers for anonymous tips.

The investigation demonstrates the collaborative efforts of police across multiple commands to address property crime affecting local communities.

Read: Brookvale Man Charged After Cannabis Operation Discovered in Factory Fire

If you have information about suspicious activity in your area, contact Northern Beaches Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 8-August-2025

Brookvale Man Charged After Cannabis Operation Discovered in Factory Fire

A Brookvale resident is facing multiple charges after a factory fire on Powells Road revealed an alleged cannabis growing operation containing dozens of plants.

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Emergency services rushed to the industrial complex on Tuesday evening, 22 July, following reports of heavy smoke billowing from one of the units. Fire and Rescue NSW crews from multiple stations across the Northern Beaches, including Dee Why, Manly, Forestville, Narrabeen and Mosman, converged on the scene near the Brookvale bus depot shortly before 6pm.

Twenty-three firefighters worked to suppress the blaze, which was located behind partitioning within the rear section of the multi-business complex. The fire was quickly brought under control, preventing any spread to neighbouring premises.

A 50-year-old man found at the property required medical attention for smoke inhalation and was transported to Northern Beaches Hospital by NSW Ambulance paramedics. During the incident, police officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were observed preventing the man from leaving the scene whilst receiving medical assessment.

What began as a fire response quickly transformed into a criminal investigation when NSW Police established a crime scene at the property. Following the man’s release from hospital treatment, he was arrested and taken to Manly Police Station.

Police allege they discovered a hydroponic cultivation setup inside the unit, with approximately 55 cannabis plants seized from the premises. The arrested man, identified as Adam Kristian Cook of Brookvale, was also allegedly found in possession of 21 grams of methamphetamine and $5,390 in cash, which police believe represents proceeds from criminal activity.

Cook appeared before Manly Local Court via video link on Wednesday, 23 July, facing five separate charges. These include two counts of possessing prohibited drugs, cultivating a prohibited plant in commercial quantities, knowingly allowing premises to be used for drug activities, and dealing with proceeds of crime.

The magistrate refused Cook’s application for bail, remanding him in custody to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, 23 September 2025.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about illegal drug operations in industrial areas across Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fire are continuing.

Read: Tradespeople Hit by Tool Thefts in Brookvale

Authorities are appealing for public assistance with their enquiries. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 23-July-2025