Earlier this year, In the Cove reported on a spate of break-ins targeting businesses in the Lane Cove Plaza. It turns out that the break-ins were allegedly committed by the same man who appeared in the Manly Local Court on Wednesday, 10th September 2025.
Kepu Tanile Nathan (Nathan), aged 35, from Dee Why, was arrested on 10 September 2025, following a NSW Police media release issued on 5 September, which appealed for the public’s assistance to locate him.
He was wanted on outstanding warrants for traffic offences and break-and-enter charges.
He had previously lived in Artarmon.
NSW Police have alleged that Nathan targeted cafes and takeaway stores in Lane Cove, as well as other lower North Shore suburbs and the Northern Beaches.
Police tendered documents in court, which outlined the charges (including the names of businesses, the date, and the property allegedly stolen).
Barel One Café Lane Cove
3 December 2024
Allegedly Stolen – bottles of hand sanitiser
Chatime Lane Cove
4 December 2024
Allegedly Stole – $1200
Fresh Café Crows Nest
6 December 2024
Allegedly Stole – $1000 cash
Fishbowl Crows Nest
9 December 2024
Charged with Intent to Steal
Blessed Bowls Seaforth
21and 22 December 2024
Allegedly Stole – $650 CCTV Camera, three packets of Tim Tams and a box of Kinder Surprise.
Mad Toppings Crows Nest
8 January 2025
Allegedly Stole – $1014 Cash, 2 x eftpos cards and ANZ Debit Card
Double Cross Dining Room, Crows Nest
5 and 6 January 2025
Allegedly Stole – $360 Cash and a credit card
GYG Lane Cove
7th February 2025
Charged with being armed with an offensive weapon (a crowbar) with attempt to steal
Cotti Café Chatswood
10th February 2025
Allegedly Stole – $1 500 Cash
House of Thai Dee Why
3 May 2025
Allegedly Stole – $150 Cash and a can of drink.
Livotis Dee Why
5 May 2025
Allegedly Stole – $25 Cash
Banco Manly
15 May 2025
Allegedly Stole – $5000 Cash
Manly Farm Shop
17 May 2025
Allegedly Stole – $500 Cash
I Love Pizza Cremorne
1st and 8th May 2025
Allegedly stole $500 and $200 Cash
Police have also charged Nathan with breaking into a house at Artarmon on 9 January 2025. It is alleged that he stole an electric bike and was also in possession of chisels, pliers, and a balaclava. The police acted quickly and arrested Nathan, who was due to appear in court but failed to do so.
He has also been charged with stealing a Domino’s Pizza delivery motorcycle from Cremorne on August 7, 2024, riding without a licence, and failing to wear a helmet.
There are also further charges of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage, taking and driving a vehicle and driving a car while his licence was suspended in November 2024.
Nathan appeared before the court via a video link while in custody. He did not apply for bail.
Several matters were adjourned until 24 September 2025 to be heard in the Manly Local Court.
The other Break and Enter Charges were adjourned until 4 November 2025 to be heard in the Downing Street Local Court.
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