Crime Watch: Lane Cove & Surrounds

A rolling log of recent police activity and reported incidents across Lane Cove, Hunters Hill and the Lower North Shore, drawn from NSW Police media releases and In the Cove’s own reporting. Updated as new information comes to hand. This page reflects publicly released police information only, and does not identify minors or victims in line with ITC’s editorial policy.

16 July 2026 — Hunters Hill

Two teenage boys charged following an investigation into a series of alleged attempted arsons on Alexandra Street dating back to 21 June. No injuries reported. Refused bail, appearing in children’s court today. Read more from the NSW Police

15 July 2026 — Lane Cove West

Artarmon man David James, 27, sentenced to 12 years’ jail (7-year non-parole period) for child sex offences committed at six Sydney OOSH centres including Helping Hands Lane Cove West, concluding AFP Operation Arctile. Read the full story

10 July 2026 — Lane Cove North

A car mounted the kerb and drove into a house at the corner of Mowbray Road West and Cumberland Avenue. Two patients treated at the scene. The 62-year-old driver returned a negative test result and was issued a Traffic Infringement Notice for negligent driving. Read more in the Week in Review

2 July 2026 — Lane Cove Golf Course

Three youths caught on CCTV causing damage to the greens, the sixth vandalism incident in just over a month. North Shore Police Area Command and the Golf Club are appealing for footage. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 quoting reference E88370557. Read the full story

26 June 2026 — The Canopy

A group of teenagers were seen riding e-bikes and fat bikes around The Canopy. One individual allegedly took a Domino’s delivery bike and rode off. Image not published as the person appears to be a minor. Read more in the Week in Review

25 June 2026 — Hunters Hill / Ryde

A second man, 28, arrested at Rooty Hill and charged with 17 offences relating to an alleged kidnapping at Ryde in June 2025, in which a man was allegedly assaulted at gunpoint before being returned to his vehicle in Hunters Hill. Refused bail. Read the full story

13 June 2026 — Lindfield

A 54-year-old Bankstown man charged after allegedly lighting fires in a vacant apartment block. NSW Fire and Rescue extinguished the blaze. The man was assessed by paramedics before being arrested and charged with damage property by fire/explosion. Refused bail. Read more in the Week in Review

12 June 2026 — Chatswood

A 45-year-old Killara man charged with assault after allegedly grabbing another customer by the throat in a fast-food queue. Also found to be subject to multiple outstanding warrants. Refused bail. Read more in the Week in Review

11 June 2026 — Mosman

A 17-year-old Macquarie Fields male charged after a stolen Audi station wagon, taken during a break and enter, was located and stopped in Annandale. Investigations into the break and enter continue. Read more in the Week in Review

6 June 2026 — Chatswood

A 20-year-old woman and 20-year-old man charged with stealing offences after allegedly shoplifting more than $2,000 worth of retail property, with further stolen items located during a vehicle search. Read more in the Week in Review