A knife, prohibited drugs and alleged stolen goods were seized during an operation the Illawarra.
NSW Police Force Operation Percentile is a proactive operation using an intelligence-led approach to identify and disrupt repeat retail crime offenders.
Yesterday (Thursday 11 December 2025), officers attached to the Wollongong Police District Proactive Crime conducted a plain clothed operation in the Wollongong shopping precinct, from 6am to 6pm.
During the operation, 16 people were arrested and served Court Attendance Notices for a range of offences included shoplifting, drug and knife possession, bicycle theft, the use of counterfeit currency and resist arrest. Police searched 23 people and 15 people were issued 'move-on' directions.
Incidents of note include;
About 11am yesterday, a 43-year-old man was arrested for allegedly using counterfeit currency at a Wollongong restaurant on Crown Street, Wollongong on Tuesday 9December 2025. The man was taken to Wollongong Police Station and charged with utter counterfeit money knowing it to be counterfeit. He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 3 today (Friday 12 December 2025), where he was granted conditional bail to reappear in Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday 16 December 2025.
About 2.45pm yesterday, officers were conducting foot patrols of the Wollongong mall on Crown Street, Wollongong, when they sighted a 38-year-old man on a bike without a helmet. Officers had reason to search the man, where they allegedly found a knife. Inquiries also confirmed the bike had allegedly been stolen. The man was served a Field Court Attendance Notice to appear at Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday 27 January 2026.
About 10.15am yesterday, officers were patrolling a supermarket on Crown Street, Wollongong where they allegedly sighted a man place items into his pants, without attempting to pay. The 52-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station. He was charged with shoplifting, hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty and enter enclosed land not prescribed premise without lawful excuse. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday 27 January 2026.
Wollongong Police District Crime Manager Detective Chief Inspector Glen Broadhead said the operation was well received by local business.
" This has been a great result for the local community, in the lead up to the busy Christmas period. Thousands of dollars worth of stolen clothing, grocery items and a bicycle were recovered by plain clothed officers during the operation," Det Chief Inspector Broadhead said.
"We urge retailers to report any incidents of retail theft or offences in and around their businesses to local Police. This will be one of many operations targeting retail theft and it should put those people considering stealing for retail premises on notice, that you will be Police's sights."
Operation Percentile continues.
