A Roseville kindergarten was the target of a man who stole the medical records and personal information of children during a two-month crime spree across the suburb and its surrounding areas.
Levi Joseph Edwards, 30, from Narraweena, has admitted to a series of criminal activities, including break-ins and thefts, spanning several locations in the Northern Beaches and the Lower North Shore. Notably, Mr Edwards targeted the KU – The Chase Preschool in Roseville, stealing sensitive information that included medical records and emergency contacts of children.
The spree occurred in November and December of last year, impacting educational institutions and local businesses. Among the affected were cafes and bottle shops, adding to the gravity of his criminal activities.
Details of the Break-in
During the late hours of the 31st of October 2024, Mr Edwards forced entry into the Roseville Community Hall, home to the KU – The Chase Pre-school. He meticulously ransacked property boxes and medical bags, ultimately absconding with confidential folders containing children’s medical records and emergency information.
In addition to these documents, Mr Edwards stole various medications from the site, including EpiPens and asthma relievers like Ventolin.
The aftermath of the break-in revealed signs of his presence, with kindergarten staff discovering cigarette butts and alcohol cans, which later played a crucial role in his identification through fingerprint analysis.
Wider Criminal Activities
Mr Edwards’s criminal conduct extended beyond the kindergarten. On the 2nd of November, he burglarised the Lime Line Coffee Shop in Artarmon, stealing cash, and continued his spree by lifting alcoholic beverages from several bottle shops across the northern beaches.
However, his attempts to steal from cash tills at various eateries on Manly Wharf, including the Chatime and Gelatissimo kiosks, were foiled, although he did succeed in later thefts of significant amounts of cash and cigarettes from other premises.
Court Proceedings
Presented before the Manly Local Court, Mr Edwards faced over 20 charges related to his crime spree. Despite a plea to dismiss the charges on mental health grounds. Mr Edwards suffers from bipolar disorder but the court decided against it, citing his disengagement from treatment and cessation of medication.
Magistrate Robyn Denes emphasised the severity and broad range of the offences, especially highlighting the alarming nature of stealing children’s personal details.
Mr Edwards is slated for sentencing on the 24th of June.
Published 21-May-2024