Youth crime crackdown at shopping centre follows motorbike chaos
Police arrested five young people and one adult in a targeted operation at East Maitland shopping centre.
Operation Restore ran at Stockland Green Hills on Thursday, October 29, from 2:30pm to 10pm. The operation targeted antisocial behaviour, shoplifting and youth crime.
Five young people were arrested and charged with affray, trespassing and stealing. One adult was arrested for traffic offences.
Three other young people were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. The operation came a week after unregistered dirt bikes tore through the area on October 22.
Riders did wheelies, ran red lights and appeared to taunt police. Officers from multiple units worked together.
Acting Superintendent Lisa Jones said the earlier behaviour made residents feel threatened.
- 5
- Young people arrested
- 6
- Dirt bikes involved
- October 29, 2026
- Operation date
- October 22, 2026
- Motorbike incident date
Why it mattersThe operation shows increased police action against youth antisocial behaviour and dangerous riding. These problems have worried residents.
AustraliaIt represents a common issue in Australian towns where young riders and unregistered bikes create public safety and neighbourhood concerns.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
