NSW Police Crack Down on Alleged Threatening Call, Online Post

The NSW Police Force has laid a number of charges as tensions flare in Sydney.

This stock photo shows a close up of a woman in handcuffs. Photo: Kanghyejin / Depositphotos

Special New South Wales (NSW) Police Force initiative against anti-Semitism, Operation Shelter, has charged a woman who allegedly made an offensive phone call to a business in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

In a statement released on Dec. 23, the NSW Police Force said a 49-year-old business operator received a message on her phone on the morning of Dec. 21 that had caused her immediate fear.

Police say they arrested a woman, 26, at her Meadowbank home at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 22. She was later charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend.

The accused was taken to Gladesville Police Station and granted conditional bail to appear in Burwood Local Court on Jan. 15, 2026.

Police Charge Man Over Alleged Call to Action

In a separate incident, NSW Police arrested a 20-year-old man as part of an initiative involving the Counter Terrorism and Specialist Tactics Command.

Police allege the man had made a social media post calling for protesters to attend a Sydney beach “with the purpose of inciting violence.”

The man was taken to Gosford Police Station, where he was charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass, offend, and publicly threaten violence on grounds of race or religion.

“The public are reminded that anyone considering violence, retribution or vigilante behaviour can expect a swift and decisive response from police,” the statement said.

“While the NSW Police Force recognises people may want to protest due to recent events both here and overseas, we are asking the community to choose other ways to come together peacefully.

“Now is a time for healing, unity, and supporting one another. As we move toward 2026, it is vital that we stand together to ensure NSW remains a safer and inclusive place for everyone.”

Premier’s Push for Tougher Laws

In the wake of the Dec. 14 terror attack, NSW Premier Chris Minns has fast-tracked laws to tackle hate and anti-Semitism, banning public display of terrorist symbols and chants such as “globalise the intifada,” introducing tougher hate-speech offences with significant penalties, and giving police broader powers at demonstrations to remove face coverings and restrict public assemblies.

Reforms will also see further restrictions on Australia’s already stringent gun laws, including limiting access to “high-risk” weapons and the number of weapons someone can own.