Ongoing thefts from a Dee Why supermarket resulted in a confrontation between a man and youths.
Just before 8.30pm Sunday evening (26 April), NSW Police responded to a report of a brawl occurring in the Lighthouse square at Howard Avenue, Dee Why.
The fight involved a 54-year-old man and a group of half-a-dozen teenage males. The man, who is understood to have been in Woolworths, had seen a group of up to eight youths allegedly stealing from the supermarket located at the Lighthouse Retail Precinct.
When the man allegedly confronted the youths, a physical altercation ensued, spilling out into the square with punches thrown. The man was outnumbered by the younger assailants but stood his ground.
The fight shocked a number of nearby onlookers who called Triple Zero (000) and officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command were on scene within a few minutes.
The approaching sirens caused the youths to flee, with one exception. A 17-year-old male was physically detained by the man until police arrived.
The 54-year-old man was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor injuries but was not taken to hospital. Police did not press charges against the man, who later admitted he should not have challenged the youths but is understood to have ‘had enough’ of the antisocial behaviour in the area.
The 17-year-old boy was arrested before later being released, to be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed that inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
It is believed that Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from the area will form part of the investigation, and one of the youths allegedly involved may be known to police and currently on bail for theft-related matters.
The problem of antisocial behaviour, especially with respect to shoplifting from Woolworths, appears to have become so prolific recently that it has even generated a parody music video. Warning, the following video by Elektronik Girl Epic contains explicit language.
The apparent lack of consequences for antisocial behaviour is leading to increasing friction between youths and adults. Rather than confronting such behaviour, it is recommended to call Triple Zero (000) to report it.
Images: Northern Beaches Advocate
NSW Police are seeking public assistance in relation to this matter. If you have any information that may assist them with their inquiries, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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