Woman charged after spitting at police

A 24-year-old woman has been charged after allegedly spitting on police while she was being arrested for theft.

About midday yesterday (Friday, 21 November 2025), the woman entered a store in the Canberra Centre and attempted to steal clothing from a mannequin.

When confronted by a staff member, she allegedly became verbally abusive and attempted to hit him several times.

She then left the store with stolen items but was later located by police in the shopping centre.

While being arrested, the woman allegedly spat on a police officer and continued to be verbally abusive.

She was taken to the ACT Watch House where she was charged with assaulting a frontline community service provider, robbery, offensive behaviour in a public place, demands accompanied by threats, and serious vilification.

She is expected to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court today (Saturday, 22 November 2025).