Four people are before the court charged with alleged shoplifting offences, following a police operation in the state's north this week.
Operation Percentile is a proactive operation using an intelligence-led approach to identify and disrupt repeat retail crime offenders, with the focus of this week's operation being on the Mid North Coast.
The operation ran from Tuesday 25 November 2025 to Wednesday 26 November 2025, with officers attached to Mid North Coast Proactive Crime Team, with assistance from Loss Prevention Officers, targeting retail outlets in Port Macquarie and Kempsey.
Over the two-day operation, 11 people were issued with 14 infringement notices issued for alleged shoplifting related offences.
Other incidents of note include:
- About 2.45pm yesterday (Wednesday 26 November 2025), a 33-year-old man was arrested at a Port Macquarie supermarket after he was allegedly seen to steal various dairy items before trying to hide in the toilets. During the arrest, the man was found to have an outstanding warrant for arrest and was charged with stealing.
- About 3.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 26 November 2025), a 20-year-old man allegedly attempted to leave the area on foot after allegedly stealing food items from a supermarket on Hayward Street, Port Macquarie. The man was arrested and charged with stealing and escape lawful custody.
- A short time later, police arrested a 39-year-old man on Gordon Street when he attempted to leave the area on foot. During a subsequent search of the man, officers allegedly located an amount of cannabis, LSD, mushrooms, and approximately 36 grams of methamphetamine. The man was arrested and charged with eight offences, including supply prohibited drug and resist officer.
- About 4.45pm yesterday (Wednesday 26 November 2025), a 26-year-old man was arrested at a licensed premises on Gordan Street and was found to have allegedly breached an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order. He was arrested and charged in relation to an outstanding warrant.
All four men were bail refused to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court today (Thursday 27 November 2025).
During the operation, officers allegedly seized large quantities of meat, confectionary items, and energy drinks all alleged to have been stolen from supermarkets in the area.
Investigations under Operation Percentile will continue.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
