New South Wales Police have charged a 13-year-old boy with eight counts of sexual touching without consent and three counts of offensive conduct after an investigation into reports that a rider on an electric bicycle harassed and assaulted females on Narrabeen Lagoon walking trails and nearby suburbs. Detectives say the alleged offences span 1 October through 12 October, with no new reports after police went public with images of a person of interest.
How Strike Force Mexvo formed
Northern Beaches Police Area Command opened the probe after three women reported being approached on lagoon paths by a male on an e-bike who allegedly touched them and made sexual comments. A public appeal brought forward additional complaints, including incidents outside the lagoon loop in surrounding suburbs.
Superintendent John Duncan, the area commander, told reporters on Saturday that investigators believed one primary suspect was responsible, though they had not ruled out others entirely. Officers canvassed businesses along the lakefront for closed-circuit footage and released still images taken from video, blurring the face because the person of interest might be under age.
The State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad supported the task force, branded Strike Force Mexvo. Duncan said most alleged contacts occurred in daylight between about 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and that police hoped no further victims remained unidentified.
Arrest and charges
About 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, the boy attended Mona Vale Police Station following the media campaign, police said. He was taken to Manly Police Station, charged in connection with eleven separate incidents involving females aged 13 to 54, and granted conditional bail to appear in a children’s court on 4 November.
Police allege one woman was also spoken to inappropriately at the intersection of Waroon Road and Carawa Road in Cromer on 7 September. Charging documents list behaviour in or near public places and non-consensual sexual touching.
Community response
Local runners and dog walkers had shared safety warnings on social media for more than a week as reports accumulated. Warringah Council lists the lagoon circuit as one of the busiest shared paths on the Northern Beaches, drawing commuters and tourists even on weekdays. Duncan urged anyone who recognised themselves as a victim but had not spoken to police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
NSW Police Minister spokespersons had not announced additional patrols on Sunday, but the area commander said high-visibility foot patrols would continue while bail conditions for the accused are reviewed.
Because the accused is a child, his name cannot be published under NSW law. The Northern Beaches Advocate reported that additional investigative details disclosed at Saturday’s press conference may have influenced the boy’s decision to present at the station.
Police did not comment on whether the e-bike would be seized as evidence or whether schools in the area had been notified. The investigation remains open for any further complainants.