Cop hospitalised after violent ‘swarming’ ambush at Sydney bottle shop
An undercover police officer was hospitalized after being attacked by a group of teenagers during a 'swarming' shoplifting incident at a Sydney bottle shop. One suspect has been arrested and charged, while police are investigating the trend of youth-led store ambushes.
Why it matters
The incident highlights a growing trend of organized youth retail crime and the physical risks faced by law enforcement in responding to these incidents.
shares Share article Exclusive footage has captured the moment a group of teenagers ambushed a bottle shop in Sydney ’s Upper North Shore, leaving an undercover senior police officer hospitalised after being bashed with a glass bottle.
The ordeal unfolded just before 8pm on July 8, when five heavily disguised teenagers allegedly “swarmed” a BWS bottle shop in Gordon .
The senior police officer was hospitalised as a result of the scuffle with the youngsters. 9News
The shoplifting trend of “swarming” is rising in popularity among youth and consists of a large group ambushing a store before fleeing with stolen goods.
However, the alleged thieves were not expecting an undercover police officer roaming the store to spring into action.
A frantic altercation ensued, leaving the senior cop hospitalised after one of the children allegedly smashed him over the head with a bottle.
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