Northern Sydney sneaker thieves: Police hunt for group stealing Nike shoes

Police are investigating a spate of sneaker stealing incidents across northern Sydney and north-west Sydney.

Kids wearing Nikes are being targeted by teenage gangs for their designer sneakers.

Police are investigating a spate of sneaker stealing crimes across northern and north-west Sydney involving gangs of teenagers who are targeting people wearing Nikes.

The incidents are happening near train lines, and has sparked concern among parents.

On December 24, The Hills Police Area Command published a post on Facebook about their search for a gang of 15 and 16 year olds after allegedly bashing a victim before stealing his sneakers.

Gangs of teenagers are allegedly assaulting and stealing sneakers across northern and north-west Sydney.

According to the police, the incident happened about 2.45pm when the 15-year-old victim boarded a train at West Pennant Hills Train Station and got off at Norwest.

He was allegedly set upon by the group and attempted to run and hide under a car but was found soon after.

The boy was allegedly punched and kicked before the thieves fled with the victim’s cash and shoes.

In another incident about 5pm on January 5, two boys saw a gang of teenagers bullying a boy they knew from school near Pennant Hills Train Station.

An alleged assault took place on January 5 happened near Pennant Hills Train Station.

One of the two boy’s attempted to intervene and they demanded his Nike sneakers.

When he said no, they allegedly punched him in the face and slapped his friend’s face.

On Tuesday constables collected statements from the victim who was punched and are following up inquiries.

The victim’s mother posted about the incident on a Facebook community group to warn other parents.

“I was angry and shocked at what happened. The thing that has traumatised my son the most is it happened in broad daylight and nobody else intervened,” Ms Lecompte said.

“He said it all happened so fast and was very scary. I thought this might be worth sharing to warn other parents and it appears this has been going on for quite a while.

Generic picture of Pennant Hills Train Station.

“My daughter is meant to be sleeping over at her friend’s place and she wanted to catch a train home but we’re going to pick her up. You tend to protect your kids a bit more after something like that has happened.”

Ms Lecompte said other mothers had told her gangs of teenagers had carried out assaults and stolen sneakers in Castle Hill, Macquarie Centre, Kellyville and the northern beaches.

One woman on the community group responded to Ms Lecompte’s post stating: “So many posts on here all the time with kids getting jumped and assaulted by these thugs. My daughter works at Rouse Hill and the amount of things that go on there are so terrible.”

Another woman wrote: “This is all about trainers, I only let my boy out in Kmart ones. So many teens punched or set upon and trainers taken. Lots of kids targeted at Castle Hill Station”.

NSW Police are asking victims and witnesses to come forward to assist with investigations. Picture: Madelaine Wong

A NSW Police spokeswoman said they would investigate reported incidents.

“Police continue to conduct high-visibly operations targeting youth-related violence and theft within Sydney’s north,” the spokesman said.

“We are aware of reports that sneakers – sometimes designer sports shoes – are among the items commonly being stolen by teens, at times in groups.

“Police are investigating reports of these sports shoes being stolen within Sydney’s northern suburbs.”

The police spokeswoman said victims and witnesses are encouraged to contact police to assist with investigations.