A man has been charged after allegedly being found in possession of stolen identification cards during a police operation targeting retail crime in Wollongong CBD. The arrest occurred as part of Operation Percentile, an intelligence-led NSW Police initiative aimed at identifying and disrupting repeat retail theft offenders across the state.

Police officers attached to the Wollongong Proactive Crime Team conducted patrols across the Wollongong area as part of the operation, which focused on preventing theft, recovering stolen property and holding alleged offenders accountable. During the operation, several people were allegedly detected committing retail theft-related offences, leading to arrests and charges.

One of the incidents involved a 28-year-old man who police allege stole a Nike bag from a Wollongong store. Following his arrest, officers conducted a search and allegedly located identification cards belonging to other people. Police charged the man with offences including shoplifting, possession of goods suspected of being stolen or unlawfully obtained, and breach of bail conditions.

The man was refused bail and was expected to appear before Bail Division Court 3. Police investigations into the matter are continuing, and further charges may be considered depending on the outcome of inquiries.

The incident forms part of a wider police effort to address retail crime across the Illawarra region. Authorities have increased attention on repeat offenders involved in shoplifting, stolen property offences and related criminal activity affecting local businesses and the community.

Police say retail crime can have a significant impact on business owners, workers and customers. Theft incidents often create financial pressure for retailers, increase security costs and can contribute to concerns about safety in shopping areas. Operation Percentile is designed to use intelligence gathering and targeted patrols to identify individuals allegedly involved in ongoing offending.

The Wollongong operation follows previous police actions across the Illawarra region, where officers have charged multiple people during retail crime investigations. Earlier operations resulted in arrests for alleged shoplifting, intimidation of retail workers, possession of prohibited items and breaches of court orders.

Community safety remains a key focus for police, with officers encouraging retailers and members of the public to report suspicious behaviour and provide information that may assist investigations. Police continue to work with businesses and local communities to reduce theft and prevent further offences.

Authorities have reminded residents that stolen identification documents can create serious risks, including identity misuse and financial fraud. Anyone who loses personal documents or suspects they have been stolen is encouraged to report the matter and take steps to protect their personal information.

The latest arrest highlights the ongoing challenge of managing retail crime in busy regional centres such as Wollongong. Police say targeted operations will continue as they work to disrupt offenders, recover stolen property and improve safety for businesses, workers and shoppers throughout the Illawarra region.