🚨 Man Charged with 16 Theft Offences Across Tweed Heads Stores

A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged with 16 offences following an extensive investigation into a string of alleged retail thefts across the far north coast, impacting businesses in the Tweed Heads and Banora Point areas.

Police attached to the Tweed/Byron Police District commenced inquiries into several incidents that occurred between Thursday, May 29, 2025, and Tuesday, June 10, 2025. It is alleged that the man threatened employees while in possession of a metal pole during these incidents.

The alleged thefts involved a variety of items, including clothing, alcohol, cigarettes, and fishing equipment. Police further allege that the man stole a gold chain valued at nearly $8,000 and also attempted to steal a cash register from one of the affected businesses.

Following extensive police inquiries, the man was apprehended at approximately 1:45 PM yesterday, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at a fast-food establishment located on Minjungbal Drive in Tweed Heads South. During a subsequent search, officers reportedly found throwing knives, along with several items believed to be stolen, including alcohol, a mobile phone, and a Bluetooth speaker.

The accused was transported to Tweed Heads Police Station, where he was formally charged with 16 offences. These include 11 counts of shoplifting, larceny, attempt larceny, armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, demand property with menaces with intent to steal, and carrying a cutting weapon upon apprehension.

He was refused bail and is scheduled to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court tomorrow, Thursday, June 12, 2025.