A former private investigator, Shane Windred, known for claiming to be Australia’s top thief catcher, has appeared in court facing serious charges. He allegedly impersonated a police officer and extorted money from a teenager and his mother.
Windred gained notoriety after featuring on the program A Current Affair, where he shared his insights into identifying potential thieves, warning viewers to be cautious of various individuals. He famously stated that "anyone can rip you off," regardless of their appearance.
On July 11, while working as a security guard at an IGA supermarket in Sydney’s Tramsheds, Windred reportedly confronted a 16-year-old boy, accusing him of shoplifting. He allegedly showed a silver badge to assert his authority and claimed to be a police officer. Following this, it is claimed that he coerced both the teenager and his mother into a back office within the supermarket and demanded a $500 gift card.
During his court appearance, the 59-year-old refrained from making any statements to the media, and his lawyer requested an adjournment without entering a plea. The case is scheduled for further hearing in September.