Photo: ABC News / Abbey Haberecht
A man allegedly carrying a vest covered in duct tape has been arrested in Bondi overnight and charged with behaving in an offensive manner.
Officers attached to Operation Shelter were called to Oxford Street about 10pm on Sunday following reports of suspicious behaviour and located a 33-year-old Victorian man allegedly wearing a vest covered in duct taped objects.
After searching the man's vehicle officers located a second taped vest, a face mask and a tin believed to contain prohibited drugs.
Both vests were examined by officers attached to the bomb disposal unit and they were deemed safe.
The man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with providing false information of person/property in danger, possessing a prohibited drug and behaving in an offensive manner.
The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Local Court on Monday.
Operation Shelter has been in force since 8 October, 2023, with NSW Police investigating hate crimes with an antisemitic focus.
Hours before the arrest, a memorial service had been held a suburb away for the Bondi Beach shooting victims and to mark Shloshim - the end of the Jewish period of mourning.
Thousands gathered at the vigil to hear from witnesses, as well as family members of victims killed during the 14 December terrorist attack.
There was a heavy police presence with specialist officers on horseback at the event.
- ABC News