NSW Police Archives - Collaroy News

Collaroy Public Safety Round-Up: Late January to Early February Incidents

Emergency services and police attended multiple reported incidents across Collaroy between Saturday 31 January and Thursday 5 February, based on reports received by the relevant authorities.

Beach-Related Incidents

Just before 11:00am on Saturday 31 January, Surf Life Saving NSW’s Collaroy patrol provided first aid to a 60-year-old woman experiencing heat stress at Collaroy Beach. She was taken to seek further medical attention in the care of her husband.

Just before 2:45pm on Tuesday 3 February, Northern Beaches Council’s Collaroy lifeguards closed Collaroy Beach for about one hour after Surf Life Saving NSW’s South Narrabeen drone patrol spotted a two-metre shark around 50 metres from shore.

Assault

Just after 9:00pm on Sunday 1 February, NSW Police were called to a report of a person assaulted at Alexander Street, Collaroy.

Traffic

Just before 12:45am on Tuesday 3 February, NSW Police received a report of a motor vehicle collision at Pittwater Road, Collaroy.

Fire

Just before 11:15am on Monday 2 February, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and firefighters from Dee Why and Narrabeen Stations responded to a report of a fire at a house at Fuller Street, Collaroy Plateau. Firefighters found a garden shed fully engulfed in flames. A neighbour attempted to fight the fire with a garden hose before firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus and using hoses connected to street hydrants, extinguished the blaze.

Hazard

Just after 10:30am on Wednesday 4 February, NSW Police were called to a report of a tree fallen across the roadway at Idaline Street, Collaroy Plateau.

Disorder

Just after 6:45pm on Thursday 5 February, NSW Police received a report of a group of disorderly youths gathered near Pittwater Road, Collaroy.

Theft

Just after 8:45am on Thursday 5 February, NSW Police were called to a report of a break-in and a vehicle stolen at Plateau Road, Collaroy Plateau.

Just after 3:45pm on Thursday 5 February, NSW Police were called to investigate a break-in at Blandford Street, Collaroy Plateau.

No further details were provided in the incident summaries.

Published 6-Feb-2026

Man Charged After Knifepoint Robbery in Collaroy

Photo Credit: NSW Police Force / Facebook

A swift police operation in Collaroy has resulted in the arrest of a 21-year-old man who is accused of robbing a local tobacconist at knifepoint and was later found at a nearby residence.

The incident began just after 7:00 pm on Saturday, 14 June, when police were called to a tobacconist on Pittwater Road. Officers from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command arrived at the store, located next to the B-Line bus stop, to respond to the report.

Police were informed that a man had entered the shop and allegedly threatened a male employee with a knife. It is alleged the man demanded cash and cigarettes from the attendant and then fled on foot. The staff member was not physically harmed during the encounter. A crime scene was established as police began their investigation, which included reviewing the store’s CCTV footage.

The focus of the investigation quickly moved to a home on Jamieson Parade, less than 500 metres from the tobacconist. Police, including the Dog Unit, attended the address where they located the 21-year-old man. Officers also found a shopping bag that contained cash and cigarettes, which they believe were stolen from the store.

The man was arrested and transported to Manly Police Station for questioning. He was later charged in connection with the robbery.

While police were at the Jamieson Parade home, a female companion of the man became highly distressed. Reports from the scene indicate she appeared to reach for an officer’s weapon while yelling, which led police to restrain her.

NSW Ambulance paramedics were called to the location to conduct a mental health assessment. The woman was then taken into police custody and transported to Northern Beaches Hospital for further observation. NSW Police have stated that the investigation into the entire incident is still active.

Published Date 01-July-2025

Collaroy Man Charged After Elderly Woman Injured in Laundry Room Dispute

A Collaroy man is facing serious charges after allegedly injuring two elderly neighbours during a heated argument over a shirt in a shared laundry room of their apartment complex.

Police Response and Timeline

The incident happened on the morning of June 5 at a unit block in Collaroy on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Police say 36-year-old Andrew Jason Cunliff accused a neighbour of stealing his shirt, sparking a heated argument.

*Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only*

The dispute turned physical, leaving a 79-year-old woman in hospital and a 74-year-old man with an elbow injury. Cunliff was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of common assault.

Allegations of Aggressive Behaviour

Police say Cunliff first shouted abuse at a 57-year-old neighbour in the laundry room. When the man tried to leave, Cunliff allegedly shoved the door into him, causing him to fall into a 79-year-old woman. She hit her head in the fall, and a second elderly neighbour who tried to help was also pushed, landing on her.

Paramedics treated the woman for a head injury before taking both elderly residents to hospital. In court, police described Cunliff’s actions as aggressive and erratic, which the magistrate called deeply disturbing.

Bail Refused Due to Past Behaviour

Cunliff was refused bail after the court heard about his past breaches and a history of violent and intimidating behaviour. His legal team said he suffers from PTSD and a personality disorder, which may have influenced his actions.

Magistrate Daniel Reiss said the risk was too great to grant release. He called the incident “very disturbing” and pointed to Cunliff’s ongoing issues with conflict in shared living areas. The case will return to court on June 11.

Community Reaction

The incident has raised concern among Collaroy residents, especially due to the victims’ ages. It has sparked discussion about safety and shared living arrangements for older people in the area.

Some neighbours are now reconsidering how spaces like communal laundries are managed. Authorities have urged locals to report disputes early and assured them that support services are available.

Published 6-June-2025