POLICE are searching for a man in relation to a shopping mall incident in Sydney's north involving an upturned camera.

A mother and her 14-year-old daughter were in a shop at a mall in Brookvale on the afternoon of May 1 when the girl noticed a shopping bag on the floor with an upturned camera while the two were queueing at the cashier.

The incident was reported to police, prompting a search for a man they believe can assist with their investigation.

He was described as being of white/European appearance, 180 cm tall and of slim build.

At the time of the incident, he was seen wearing brown shorts and a shortsleeved T-shirt and carrying a small shopping bag.