A man has been arrested after allegedly wearing a vest covered in duct-taped objects, sparking reports of suspicious behaviour in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The 33-year-old Victorian has been charged with offensive behaviour after police from Operation Shelter – the NSW Police taskforce focussed on hate crimes – were called to Bondi Junction 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 charged with behaving in an offensive manner and two other offences. He was refused bail and is expected to appear in court on Monday.

Operation Shelter was established in 2023 to address antisemitism 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.

There was a heavy police presence at the event as locals and community members marked the Jewish period of mourning.

-AAP