Northern NSW crime blitz: Operation Rapina nets thieves, drug offenders

A crime crackdown across the Northern Rivers has seen five charged and 27 infringements issued in Lismore and Goonellabah under Operation Rapina.

Operation Rapina is an ongoing targeted effort by the Richmond Police District focused on enhancing community safety across the Richmond area.

Five individuals are set to face court, and a further 27 have been issued with infringements following a Northern Rivers crime crackdown.

Operation Rapina is an ongoing targeted effort by the Richmond Police District focused on enhancing community safety across the Richmond area.

“This operation underscores our dedication to maintaining a visible presence in the community, disrupting criminal activities, and ensuring offenders are held accountable,” Richmond Police District Crime Manager, Detective Acting Inspector Steve Hoffman said.

In recent months, police have increased their presence in key locations, including shopping centres, public spaces, and transport hubs. The heightened vigilance aims to deter crime and provide reassurance to the community.

Richmond police recently held a joint operation with Loss Prevention Officers and Compliance Officers from the local council to detect and disrupt crime in the Lismore and Goonellabah areas. Picture: Phil Tsourlinis

On Tuesday, May 27, and Wednesday, May 28, a joint operation was conducted in the Lismore and Goonellabah areas.

Uniformed and plainclothes officers collaborated with Loss Prevention Officers and Compliance Officers from the local council to detect and disrupt criminal activity.

Lismore Courthouse on Zadoc St, Lismore.

The operation saw five people charged with shoplifting and drug offences, and 27 criminal infringement notices issued for shoplifting.

Three youth cautions were issued for shoplifting offences and 18 move-on directions were given.

77 individuals were also scanned using handheld devices under knife scanning powers.

Around 1pm on Tuesday, May 27, police responded to a report from Loss Prevention Officers regarding a woman allegedly shoplifting at a Lismore supermarket.

police have increased their presence in key locations, including shopping centres, public spaces, and transport hubs.

It is alleged a 67-year-old woman paid for some items but left with over $720 worth of unpaid goods.

She was issued a Court Attendance Notice for shoplifting and is scheduled to appear before Lismore Local Court on Monday, July 14.

Det Acting Insp Hoffman said police actively investigate reports of theft and disruptive behaviour using CCTV and other methods.

“Those who commit crimes are likely to be identified and face prosecution.

“We are dedicated to creating a secure environment where residents can feel safe and protected in their daily lives.”

The Richmond Police District has confirmed that similar operations will continue across the region.