National

Man faces charges after duct-taped vest scare in Bondi

Jan 12, 2026

Police tape at a crime scene (file image) — Police were called to Bondi Junction after reports a man was wearing a 'duct-taped vest'. -AAP Image

A man allegedly wearing a vest covered in duct-taped objects has been arrested following reports of suspicious behaviour.

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The 33-year-old Victorian has been charged with offensive behaviour after police from Operation Shelter were called to Bondi Junction in Sydney's east on Sunday night.

He was allegedly wearing the vest before being arrested. After searching the man's car, police allegedly found another duct-taped vest, a face mask and a tin believed to contain prohibited drugs.

Both vests were deemed safe after being examined by bomb disposal unit officers.

The man was refused bail after being charged with behaving in an offensive manner and two other offences. He is expected to appear in court on Monday.

Operation Shelter was established in 2023 to address anti-Semitism and other hate crimes.

A few kilometres away, thousands gathered at Bondi Beach on Sunday night for a memorial commemorating the victims of a terrorist attack, when two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah event on December 14.

Â A heavy police presence surrounded the event as locals and members of the community marked the Jewish period of mourning.