NSW Police Archives - Dee Why News

Dee Why Retail Crime Prompts Undercover Police Operation

A late-night clash outside a Dee Why supermarket has laid bare a growing pattern of youth shoplifting and rising tension in the Northern Beaches, with a local man taking matters into his own hands after spotting teens allegedly stealing from a busy retail strip.

Just before 8.30 p.m. on 26 April, NSW Police were called to Lighthouse Square on Howard Avenue in Dee Why after reports of a fight between a 54-year-old man and a group of teenage boys.

The man had reportedly seen up to eight youths stealing from a nearby Woolworths and confronted them, leading to a physical altercation that spilled into the public square. Witnesses contacted Triple Zero as the situation escalated, and officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command arrived within minutes.

Confrontation Reflects Growing Strain in Dee Why Retail Hub

The man, who sustained minor injuries, held onto one 17-year-old boy until police arrived. He was later assessed by paramedics but did not require hospital care. Police chose not to charge him, though he later acknowledged he should not have intervened.

The teen was arrested and released under the Young Offenders Act, with investigations ongoing and CCTV footage expected to play a role.

The incident has drawn attention to repeated thefts in the Lighthouse Retail Precinct, where retailers and locals say a group of youths has been targeting stores, particularly Woolworths and BWS. Staff are understood to have been instructed not to engage directly with offenders due to safety concerns, leaving them reliant on police response.

Undercover Police Operation Targets Repeat Youth Offenders

On 30 April, NSW Police launched an undercover operation in Dee Why aimed at curbing retail theft and antisocial behaviour. Officers worked alongside loss prevention staff to monitor activity across the precinct. According to Northern Beaches Police Area Command, five individuals were issued fines and cautions during the operation.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Boutouridis stated that the enforcement action focused on young people suspected of repeated theft. One 15-year-old boy known to police was arrested at Lighthouse Square and charged with breach of bail and larceny. He was refused bail and scheduled to appear in a Children’s Court.

Police confirmed the operation forms part of a broader retail crime strategy, known as Operation Percentile, which aims to strengthen ties with retailers and increase enforcement within shopping areas. Officers also noted that some youths involved have shown ongoing patterns of offending, complicating efforts under existing youth justice pathways.

Published 30-April-2026

Dee Why Public Safety Round-Up: March 7–13 Incidents

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Emergency services responded to a series of incidents across Dee Why during the period, based on reports received by police, fire crews, ambulance services and utility authorities.

Fire Response

At approximately 3:30pm on Saturday, 7 March, Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Dee Why attended a fire alarm at an apartment building on Redman Road. The alarm had been activated by smoke coming from a barbecue on the balcony of a unit.

Disorderly Behaviour

NSW Police attended several incidents involving intoxicated individuals. At around 7:00pm and again at 8:45pm on Saturday, 7 March, officers were called to Howard Avenue to assist separate individuals.

On Monday, 9 March at about 7:00pm, police responded to a similar report on Pittwater Road.
At approximately 4:30am on Wednesday, 11 March, officers attended another incident involving an intoxicated person on Pittwater Road.

Later that evening at around 9:30pm, police received reports of a group of youths behaving in a disorderly manner near Oaks Avenue.

Assaults

At approximately 4:30pm on Monday, 9 March, police were called to a report of an assault on Oaks Avenue. At around 10:00pm on Wednesday, 11 March, officers responded to reports of youths fighting at Pacific Parade.

Traffic Incidents

At about 8:00pm on Monday, 9 March, police and firefighters attended a crash on Oaks Avenue where a taxi collided with two parked vehicles. The driver had left the scene but was later located nearby. He declined a breath test, stating he had consumed alcohol after returning home. He was released without charge pending further inquiries.

Another vehicle collision was reported at approximately 3:00pm on Friday, 13 March on Oaks Avenue, with police attending.

Theft Reports

Police investigated a break-in reported shortly after 8:00pm on Tuesday, 10 March at a property on South Creek Road.

Later that evening, just before 9:00pm, officers received a separate report of property stolen from a vehicle parked on the same street.

Rescue Operation

At approximately 10:00am on Wednesday, 11 March, Fire and Rescue NSW crews were called to Dee Why RSL Club on Pittwater Road to assist a person trapped inside a lift. The individual was released.

Infrastructure Hazard

Shortly before 9:30pm on Thursday, 12 March, Sydney Water attended McIntosh Road to repair a ruptured water main. One lane of the road was closed during the repair works.

Medical Emergency

At around 3:00pm on Friday, 13 March, police and NSW Ambulance responded to Pacific Parade following reports of a man behaving erratically. The 57-year-old fell and struck his head. He was treated at the scene for a suspected neurological condition and transported to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Further inquiries were continuing into the taxi crash on Oaks Avenue, while other incidents were recorded by authorities during the period.

Published 14-Mar-2026

Dee Why Public Safety Round-Up: 14–20 February 2026 Incidents

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Emergency services attended a series of traffic, medical and public order incidents across Dee Why between 14 and 20 February 2026, based on reports received by NSW Police and other responding agencies.

Traffic Incidents

5:30am, Saturday 14 February
NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Dee Why Station responded to a crash on Pittwater Road where a vehicle struck another car before coming to rest on the footpath. A 41-year-old man was located inside in a semi-conscious condition, with suspected intoxication noted. He was transported in a stable condition to Northern Beaches Hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.

12:45pm, Tuesday 17 February
Police and paramedics attended a collision at Kingsway near Westminster Avenue involving a silver 2003 Holden Astra and an e-bike rider. The rider, a woman in her 50s, sustained a leg injury and was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition.

Medical And Injury Responses

10:30am, Sunday 15 February
NSW Ambulance, assisted by NSW Police and the CareFlight Rescue Helicopter, responded to a report of a six-month-old girl experiencing an allergic reaction at Pacific Parade. After assessment near James Meehan Reserve, the infant was transported by road to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition.

10:30am, Sunday 15 February
Surf Life Saving NSW Dee Why patrol requested ambulance assistance after a man dislocated his shoulder in the surf. Paramedics treated and relocated the shoulder at the scene.

5:15pm, Thursday 19 February
NSW Ambulance attended St David Avenue near Dee Why Library after a 17-year-old girl was reported unconscious following a fall from a vehicle in a nearby car park. She was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Rescue

3:00pm, Saturday 14 February
Police and firefighters assisted with the safe release of a child locked inside a public toilet at Walter Gors Park on Howard Avenue.

Public Order And Property Reports

8:15pm, Sunday 15 February
Police received a report of youths throwing eggs at vehicles along Oaks Avenue.

8:45pm, Sunday 15 February
Police and NSW Ambulance responded to reports of a man collapsed on the pavement at Howard Avenue. The 26-year-old was described as intoxicated and became agitated when approached. Police restrained him after he allegedly reached toward an officer’s firearm. He was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital for treatment and mental health assessment.

9:15pm, Sunday 15 February
Police received a report of property damage at Oaks Avenue.

6:00pm, Monday 16 February
Police were notified of a group of youths behaving in a disorderly manner near Howard Avenue.

7:45pm, Tuesday 17 February
Police received a report of a group of youths gathered near Pittwater Road.

4:30pm, Thursday 19 February
Police were notified of disorderly behaviour involving youths near Oaks Avenue.

7:30am, Friday 20 February
Police received a report of property vandalism at Pittwater Road.

5:30pm, Friday 20 February
Police were notified of suspected drug-related activity at Fisher Road.

8:00pm and 10:00pm, Friday 20 February
Police received further reports of disorderly youths gathered near Oaks Avenue.

These matters were recorded by responding authorities during the reporting period.

Published 21-Feb-2026

Dee Why Public Safety Round-Up: 31 January to 5 February Incidents

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Police and emergency crews responded to a number of unrelated call-outs across Dee Why from Saturday, 31 January to Thursday, 5 February, based on reports received by authorities.

Theft

Just before 1:45am on Saturday, 31 January, NSW Police received a report that items had been stolen from a vehicle parked on Wheeler Parade, Dee Why. Police inquiries are continuing.

Fire Responses

Shortly after 10:45am on Saturday, 31 January, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Dee Why Station attended a fire alarm at Fisher Road, Dee Why. Firefighters found no sign of fire and used a thermal imaging camera to check the ceiling space. A faulty heat detector was replaced and the alarm system was reset.

Later that day, shortly before 10:30pm, NSW Police and FRNSW Dee Why Station responded to a fire alarm at Tor Road, Dee Why. Residents reported hearing a loud bang from an oven range hood. Firefighters located a fire in the range hood and extinguished it using a CO₂ fire extinguisher. The range hood and ducting were removed and the ceiling space was checked with thermal imaging to confirm there was no spread.

Assault And Disorderly Behaviour

Just before 2:00am on Sunday, 1 February, NSW Police were called to Palara Place, Dee Why, after a fight was reported.

Just after 2:00am, police received a further report of disorderly youths gathering near Grafton Crescent, Dee Why.

Shortly after 9:00pm on Sunday, 1 February, police attended Pittwater Road, Dee Why, to assist a person reported to be intoxicated.

Just after 10:15pm on Wednesday, 4 February, police were again called to assist an intoxicated person at Kingsway, Dee Why.

Injury Incidents

Just after 4:00pm on Sunday, 1 February, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance responded to an e-bike crash on Griffin Road, Dee Why, near Banksia Street. Paramedics located the 15-year-old female rider in the gutter and assessed her for a potentially serious head injury.

The Toll NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter was requested and landed at John Fisher Park, Abbott Road, North Curl Curl, just before 5:00pm. The rider was placed into an induced coma and transported to Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, in a critical condition.

Just before 10:00pm on Thursday, 5 February, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance attended a home on Delmar Parade, Dee Why, following a report that a woman had fallen down a flight of stairs. Paramedics assessed the 63-year-old woman for a serious head injury.

The Toll NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter was tasked from Bankstown and landed at Reub Hudson Oval, Abbott Road, North Curl Curl. The woman was placed into an induced coma, taken to the oval, and then transported to Royal North Shore Hospital by road in a critical condition, with a police escort and green-light corridor.

Hazard

Just after 6:00am on Monday, 2 February, FRNSW Dee Why Station attended Pittwater Road, Dee Why, near Oaks Avenue, after a light pole was reported to have come down in strong winds. A vehicle was damaged, but no injuries were reported. Ausgrid attended to repair the pole and wiring, and two northbound lanes were affected.

Death

Just after 6:00am on Tuesday, 3 February, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, and firefighters from Dee Why and Narrabeen stations were called to Dee Why Beach, about 200 metres north of the surf club, after a man was found unresponsive on the sand. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was declared deceased just after 6:45am.

Police inquiries are continuing into the reported theft, and the remaining incidents were attended and managed by responding services as reported.

Published 6-Feb-2026

Australia Day Police Medal Recognises Service Linked To Dee Why

Photo Credit: Tweed-Byron Police District/Facebook

A NSW Police officer with earlier service at Dee Why has received an Australian Police Medal as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours.

Dee Why Service Listed In Career Record

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew James Kehoe joined the NSW Police Force on 18 September 1987 and served at Dee Why, Manly and Frenchs Forest police stations. In 1995, he commenced criminal investigation duties at Manly Police Station and was designated as a detective in 1997.

Work Across Northern New South Wales

His career later included a transfer to the Corrective Services Investigation Unit within State Crime Command, before promotion to sergeant at Lismore in 2005. He also performed duties across northern New South Wales, including a period as general manager of Industry Regulations at the NSW Firearms Registry.

Tweed/Byron Role And Current Posting

In 2018, he transferred to the Tweed/Byron Police District as a duty officer and was promoted to detective chief inspector in 2019. At the time of the award, he was the officer in charge of the Byron Bay Police Station, performing the role of an operations district inspector.

*Photo Credit: Tweed-Byron Police District/Facebook*

Operational Policing And Community Engagement

His award documentation notes sustained engagement with locals, community groups, and business owners within the tourism industry, contributing to public confidence and collaboration. It also records his support for the family of a missing Belgian backpacker.

The award record further outlines his role in planning, commanding and leading policing operations at Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival in the Byron Shire from 2018 to 2024. It also notes his response during the 2019 bushfires and the 2022 floods, as well as his leadership of public order management at the NSW–Queensland border, Byron Bay and Mullumbimby during COVID-19 restrictions.

Australia Day Recognition

Detective Chief Inspector Kehoe was awarded the Australian Police Medal on 26 January 2026, recognising 38 years of service and contribution to the NSW Police Force.

Published 27-Jan-2026

Vicious Dog Seized After Attack in Dee Why

Photo Credit: Pexels

A woman sustained multiple injuries after a dog attack in Dee Why, prompting police and authorities to seize the animal and launch an investigation.

Incident and Response

The attack occurred around 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, 18 October, along McIntosh Road between High Street and Vale Avenue in Dee Why. A 32-year-old woman was left injured after being mauled by a large dog. She sustained injuries to her limbs, including a suspected broken arm, and was taken by NSW Ambulance to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition.

Police reported that a man in a silver utility vehicle restrained the dog and left the scene with the animal. Officers appealed to the public for information to identify both the man and the dog.

Dog Seized in Narraweena

On Sunday evening, 19 October, officers from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command and a NBC ranger attended a Narraweena address, where a man in his 50s surrendered a dog believed to be involved. The animal was then secured by the NBC’s canine retrieval unit.

NBC confirmed that rangers had seized the alleged animal and stated the matter remains under investigation. The NBC did not disclose the breed or confirm whether the animal was considered a restricted breed.

Investigation Under the Companion Animals Act

Authorities are assessing whether the animal will be declared “dangerous” under the Companion Animals Act, which applies to dogs that attack without provocation. Under the Act, NBC may seize a dog believed to have bitten a person within 72 hours if safety concerns exist.

No charges have been filed at this stage. If the dog is confirmed as the one involved and is found to be a restricted breed, the owner could face penalties of up to $55,000 and four years imprisonment.

Dee Why dog attack — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Response

Local residents expressed sympathy for the injured woman and concern over dog control in public areas. Online comments called for stricter enforcement of leash laws, greater accountability for owners, and increased ranger activity across the Northern Beaches.

Community group Pittwater Unleashed extended support to the victim and reiterated its commitment to promoting responsible dog ownership and public safety awareness.

Ongoing Investigation

NSW Police and NBC continue to investigate the incident. Authorities urged anyone with relevant information to contact Dee Why Police Station or Crime Stoppers.

Published 3-Nov-2025

Dee Why E-bike Riders Stopped In Major Police Crackdown

Photo Credit: Himiway Bikes/Unsplash

Dee Why residents were among more than 300 e-bike riders stopped by local authorities during a targeted operation across Sydney’s Northern Beaches that uncovered dozens of safety breaches and illegal modifications.

Focus On Safety In School Zones

From 17 June to 15 July, NSW Police carried out Operation Kilowatt, targeting e-bike safety across suburbs including Dee Why, Manly and Avalon. Out of 305 e-bikes checked, 28 were found to be illegal and 32 fines were issued for offences like riding modified bikes or without helmets.

In Dee Why, many of those stopped were young locals, often riding through school zones and shared paths. Police said some riders were unaware of the 500-watt power limit and 25 km/h speed cap for legal e-bikes. More than 50 minors received cautions, with officers also flagging risky behaviour such as phone use while riding and footpath misuse.

Council Backs Digital Licence Trial For Students

To improve rider safety, Northern Beaches Council backed a trial bicycle licence program for students, run by Bicycle NSW. The trial involves an online safety course and road-rules test, with students earning a council-endorsed digital licence.

Schools can choose whether to adopt the program for students who use bikes or e-bikes. A 14-year-old student told councillors it was important to build good habits early, as the council committed around $3,000 to support the trial.

Legal Grey Areas Remain

Some councillors pushed back on the student licence trial, arguing the decision was rushed and didn’t include input from other safety groups. One called for a review, suggesting other programs might offer better results with wider community backing.

Still, the council is staying active on bike safety through its “Know the Code” campaign, which urges riders to slow down, use their bells and watch for sudden changes. Launched in 2024, the campaign has already drawn state-level praise as a standout approach to improving behaviour on shared paths.

State Looks At Broader Regulation

The NSW Government has recognised the surge in e-bike use and the need for clearer laws, tougher penalties, and better rider education. A recent parliamentary inquiry backed these changes, highlighting risks tied to modified or high-powered bikes.

Police say community patrols like Operation Kilowatt will continue, with a strong focus on education and enforcement. Officers reminded parents that riding a non-compliant e-bike is like using an unlicensed motorbike, and carries serious risks.

Published

Truck Torched in Alleged Insurance Scam in Dee Why

Photo Credit: Pexels

A man has admitted to deliberately setting fire to a truck in the car park of a club in Dee Why as part of an alleged $50,000 insurance fraud scheme.

Background and Context

A 21-year-old man, Bailey Chapman, has pleaded guilty to intentionally setting fire to a tipper truck in the car park of Dee Why Bowling Club. The fire occurred on the night of 2 April 2023. The truck, a Mitsubishi Fuso Canter, was jointly owned by a couple and used for a rubbish collection business operating on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Following the incident, police launched an investigation which included the release of CCTV footage in September 2024. The footage showed a man, later identified as Mr Chapman, fleeing the scene shortly after the vehicle caught fire.

Dee Why truck fire — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Insurance Fraud Allegation

According to court documents presented at Manly Local Court, Mr Chapman set the fire after reaching an agreement with one of the truck’s owners, a 38-year-old woman. Police allege the motive was financial gain. The woman lodged an insurance claim for $48,830 the day after the incident. No payout has been issued.

Mr Chapman, now in custody and residing in Mortons Creek, has admitted to the charge of intentionally damaging property by fire. He is scheduled to be sentenced on 23 April.

*Caption: A photo of* *a Mitsubishi Fuso Canter* *similar to the torched truck.*
*Photo Credit:* *Mitsubishi Fuso*

Events Leading to the Fire

On the day of the incident, Mr Chapman spent over five hours at Dee Why Bowling Club with the truck’s owners. After leaving the club, police allege he retrieved a jerry can from the owners’ garage and filled it with petrol at a nearby Shell service station at 8:39 p.m. Surveillance footage shows him wearing a face covering during the purchase.

At 8:45 p.m., he was dropped off near the bowling club. Phone records indicate he made calls to a mobile phone linked to the female owner before and after the fire. At 9:52 p.m., CCTV captured Mr Chapman igniting an object and throwing it under the vehicle, which immediately caught alight. He then ran south along Fisher Road North.

Additional Legal Proceedings

The female co-owner of the truck has been charged with dishonesty for gain and damage to property by fire. Her matter remains before the courts. The male co-owner is not facing any charges.

Police confirmed both arrests were made following a public appeal in September 2024, which included the release of CCTV footage.

The case remains ongoing with Mr Chapman awaiting sentencing and the female owner’s matter yet to be finalised. Investigations by NSW Police continue as the court process unfolds.

Published 22-Mar-2025