Manly CBD: Multiple banks, ATMs and real estate agents targeted in early morning hammer vandal rampage

Banks, ATMS, real estate agents and shops in a Sydney tourist hotspot were targeted in an early morning vandal rampage by a man armed with a hammer. See the photos.

Jodie Loveday, co-owner of belle property on Sydney Rd, Manly, which was allegedly damaged by a man armed with a hammer on a vandalism rampage early on Monday. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

A total of 30 banks, shops and businesses in the Manly CBD and nearby suburbs were badly damaged in a bizarre early morning alleged vandalism rampage by a man armed with a hammer.

The screens on about 20 ATMs operated by the St George, Westpac, Commonwealth, ANZ and NAB banks along The Corso were also smashed during the alleged spree that began at about 5.30am on Monday.

Police said about he windows of about 30 vehicles between Allambie Heights and Manly were also damaged.

Large pane glass windows at the bank branches were shattered.

Two real estate agency offices and a pub were also attacked as well as public parking ticket machines.

The man suspected of the rampage also allegedly smashed the windows, along Sydney Rd, of a tobacconist, a gift and homewares shop, a babywear boutique and a shop selling crystals as well as the Wharf Bar at Manly Wharf.

Liz Previtali, owner of SK Crystals on Sydney Rd, Manly, which was allegedly damaged by a man armed with a hammer on a vandalism rampage early on Monday. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

There are reports of up to 30 parked cars damaged along Pittwater Rd and window panes on bus shelters along Kentwell and Allambie roads at Allambie Heights being smashed.

The man also allegedly smashed the window at the Bakers Delight outlet at Allambie Heights

A security camera image of a man inside a tobcconist on Sydney Rd, Manly. who allegedly went on a vandalism rampage between Allambie Heights and the Manly CBD on Monday. Picture: King of the Pack Manly

A security camera image of a man inside a tobcconist on Sydney Rd, Manly. who allegedly went on a vandalism rampage between Allambie Heights and the Manly CBD on Monday. Picture: King of the Pack Manly

On Monday night police charged a man, 39, from Frenchs Forest, with 39 offences including 34 counts of destroy or damage property, three counts of aggravated break and enter with intent, and two counts of aggravated enter dwelling with intent while armed. He was refused bail by police to appear at Manly Local Court on Tuesday.

Jodie Loveday, the co-owner of Belle Property in Sydney Rd, said police advised her that a large number of businesses in the Manly CBD, including the banks, had been damaged.

“Apparently the guy was running around with a hammer, smashing through the windows,’ Ms Loveday said.

“Nothing was stolen from us, but we’ve had to get the glaziers out here pretty quickly. Our whole front window and door are gone.”

Jacob Finch, owner of the King of the Pack tobacconist, said the shop’s sliding front door had been shattered

Damage at the King of the Pack tobacconist on Sydney Rd, Manly, which was allegedly damaged by a man armed with a hammer. Picture: Supplied

Mr Finch said the man allegedly entered the shop after breaking the glass door.

“He pushed our tills off the counter, pulled some stock onto the floor and pushed the Zippo lighter display case over,” Mr Finch said.

“Nothing seems to have been stolen.”

Damage to the NAB bank branch on The Corso, Manly, allegedly caused by a man armed with a hammer on a vandalism rampage early on Monday, October 30, 2023. Picture: Steve Howard

Liz Previtali, owner of SK Crystals, said one of the main windows had been broken.

“It’s a terrible way to start the week,’ Ms Previtali said.

“We have to close for business today while we get the window replaced and clean up all the glass.”

Damage to ATMs at the St George bank branch on The Corso, Manly. Picture: Steve Howard

Damage to the Commonwealth bank branch and its ATMs on The Corso, Manly. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

Damage to an ATM at the Westpac bank on The Corso, Manly. Picture: Steve Howard

At the offices of My Property Solutions Sydney, on Sydney Rd, two large panes of glass were left shattered and about to fall apart.

Damage to the ANZ bank branch on The Corso, Manly. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

Its owner, Delwyn Falvo, said the damage bill would reach would reach well into the thousands of dollars at the agency.

Ariessi Doolan, manager of My Property Solutions Sydney on Sydney Rd, Manly. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

“He could easily have got in and taken things. We have multiple computers. But nothing was taken,” Mr Falvo said.

Owner of Village Home & Gifts, Linda Eggins, said the owner of the Tula Baba boutique next door, also damaged, called her to let her know her door was smashed as well.

“I can’t understand why this has happened. It’s unbelievable.”

Linda Eggins, owner of Village Home & Gifts on Sydney Rd, Manly. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

Northern Beaches Police said they arrested a man early on Monday at Manly Wharf.

“The 39-year-old man was arrested and during a search, officers allegedly located a hammer in his possession,” polie said in a statement released on Monday night.

“Subsequent inquiries revealed approximately 20 ATMs along with the windows of 30 vehicles and 30 businesses had allegedly been destroyed across the Norther Beaches area.