OPERATION PERCENTILE- More than 110 charged - Retail Crime Surge NorthWest Sydney -NSW Police

Jul 31, 2026 More than 110 people have been charged during a two-day Operation Percentile surge targeting retail crime in Sydney’s north west. Operation Percentile aims to detect, disrupt and deter retail crime offenders, with the objective of preventing stock loss, protecting customers and retail workers and deterring anti-social behaviour. On Wednesday 29 July 2026 and Thursday 30 July 2026, officers attached to North West Metropolitan Region undertook the operation at major shopping centres and precincts in Parramatta, Chatswood, Hornsby, Penrith, Mount Druitt and Blacktown, in conjunction with retail outlets and loss prevention staff, to target criminal offences, mainly shoplifting. During the two-day operation, 116 people were charged with 130 offences, and a further 65 people were issued with Criminal Infringement Notices. A further 10 youth cautions were issued, as well as 27 warnings and 106 banning notices. Police also conducted knife scanning operations during the surge at Parramatta and Hornsby Interchanges, during which nine knives were located and seized, and eight drug detections were made. Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said everyone deserves to feel safe at work, and retail workers should never have to face abuse, threats or violence simply for doing their job. “That’s why we back police to run intelligence-led operations like Percentile, targeting the repeat offenders causing the most harm. “Since October, police have charged more than 1,300 people, taken more than 1,550 legal actions and identified over 2,380 offences linked to more than $600,000 in stolen stock. “Operation Percentile is a key part of the broader Retail Crime Strategy - bringing police, unions and retailers together to prevent crime, protect workers and put offenders before the courts.” Crime Prevention Command Superintendent Phil Hallinan said Operation Percentile continues to be a success. “Operation Percentile reflects the strong collaboration between police and the retail sector in targeting retail crime,” Superintendent Hallinan said. "Our officers worked closely with retailers and security partners during this surge to identify offenders and hold them accountable. “Stealing from businesses and assaulting retail workers are serious offences that impact hardworking staff, business owners and the wider community. “Our message is clear: retail crime will not be tolerated and if you attempt to steal from a retailer, or intimidate or assault a retail worker, police will find you and put you before the courts.”