Three men have been charged as police continue to patrol bushfire-affected areas for looters on the New South Wales South Coast.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested after police witnessed him acting suspiciously in North Nowra on Monday.

Officers searched him and found a knife, a jemmy bar, torches, plyers, military badges and a debit card.

He’s been hit with multiple charges, including possessing housebreaking implements and goods in custody.

A 17-year-old boy will also face court this month after police stopped him in the Bangalee area, allegedly finding a screwdriver and bandana on his person.

He’s been charged with possessing housebreaking implements and possessing means to disguise face with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Another 33-year-old man has been charged with high-range drink driving and entering closed land without a lawful excuse after witnesses saw him acting suspiciously around Moruya.

Police say the man allegedly trespassed on a property at Wamban.

NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Gary Worboys tells John Stanley officers are actively patrolling bushfire-affected communities to catch looters.

“It’s disgusting behaviour, but we know that people behave like this at these times.

“We’ll continue to make communities the safest places we can, even in these circumstances. 

“Every single report, I can guarantee the community will be taken seriously.”

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NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliot has labelled the alleged looters “unAustralian”.

“As far as I’m concerned, the full force of the law should come down upon them,” he tells Luke Grant.

Mr Elliot says he will pursue an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions if a sentence is lenient.

“This is lawlessness at its worst.”

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