A man has been charged after allegedly impersonating police at a supermarket in Sydney's inner west.
About midday on Friday 11 July 2025, a 16-year-old boy was at a supermarket in Forest Lodge, when he was allegedly stopped by a man who said he was a police officer and produced a silver badge in a black leather wallet.
The man allegedly accused the boy of stealing from the store before escorting him to an office at the rear of the store.
A short time later, the mother of the boy attended the supermarket, where the man again claimed to be a police officer and produced the same badge.
The man allegedly demanded a $500 payment from the woman, who purchased a gift card from the store.
Leichhardt Police Area Command were notified that afternoon and commenced an investigation into the incident.
Following extensive inquiries, a 59-year-old man was arrested at Balmain Police Station and taken to Day Street Police Station, where he was charged with take/detain person with intent to obtain advantage, impersonate police officer and exercise powers/functions, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal) and common assault.
He was given bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 23 July 2025.
