Police have charged 15 people under Operation Percentile as part of a retail theft crackdown across the Illawarra.
Operation Percentile is an intelligence-led approach to proactively identify and disrupt repeat retail crime offenders across the state.
The operation saw officers attached to the Wollongong Proactive Crime Team patrolling the Wollongong CBD between 8am and 4pm yesterday (Wednesday 15 July 2026).
During the operation,15 people were allegedly detected shoplifting groceries, clothing accessories and other retail items.
Of the 15 people arrested for shoplifting offences, ten were served Court Attendance Notices and four were served Criminal Infringement Notices.
They were charged with a number of offences including shoplifting, resist arrest, possession of good suspected of being stolen or unlawfully obtained, and breach of bail.
Noteworthy incident:
- A 28-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly stole a Nike bag from a store in Wollongong. When searched, police also located identification cards in other people's names. He was arrested and charged with shoplifting, possession of goods stolen/unlawfully obtained and breach of bail. He was refused bail and will appear at Bail Division Court 3 today (Thursday 16 July 2026)
Investigations under Operation Percentile continue.
