Category: NSW News

A man has been charged after allegedly damaging property and refusing to comply with a Public Health Order at a fast-food outlet in Sydney’s north-west at the weekend.
About 8pm on Saturday (9 January 2021), Officers from Quakers Hill Police Area Command were called to a restaurant on Windsor Road, Kellyville Ridge, following reports a customer had become aggressive towards staff.
Police will allege in court that a man began to make an order at the counter when he was asked by staff to complete a COVID-safe check-in, in line with the current Public Health Orders.
The man refused and allegedly became aggressive and verbally abused staff, before he pushed a cash register and printer off the counter and left the restaurant. No injuries were reported.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident commenced and following inquiries, a 25-year-old man was arrested at Riverstone Police station about 4.15pm today (Monday 11 January 2021).
The St Marys man was charged with destroy or damage property, use offensive language in/near public place and not comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID19.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before Blacktown Local Court on Monday 1 February 2021.

Since the last review period, police have taken legal action against 16 people, including the director of a Pyrmont function venue, for breaches of the Public Health Act.
The charges include:
– About 1am yesterday (Thursday 7 January 2021), officers attached to Police Transport Command (PTC) approached a 47-year-old man allegedly performing a sexual act on a train near Parramatta Railway Station. As police went to arrest the man, one officer was bitten on the arm. Police managed to restrain the man and he was taken to Westmead hospital for assessment. Following his release from hospital, the man was taken to Parramatta Police Station, where he was charged with carry out sexual act with another without consent, assault police in execution of duty causing actual bodily harm, resist police and not wear fitted face covering in public transport. The man was refused bail and will appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Friday 8 January 2021).
– Officers from South Coast Police District were contacted after a man allegedly assaulted and spat on a security guard at a shopping centre at Nowra about 11am. Police were told the man threatened the guard and told him he had COVID before he was escorted from the centre. The man was arrested about 2.45pm and charged with common assault and not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court today.
– Officers from The Hills Police Area Command were patrolling a shopping centre at Castle Hill about 12.30pm, when they approached a man, who was not wearing a mask as he wandered around the food court. The 39-year-old man refused to speak with police and allegedly pushed past the officers before a struggle ensued. He was subsequently arrested and charged with not wear fitted face covering in retail/business and resist officer in the execution of duty. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 27 January 2021.
– About 2.30pm, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were called to a shopping centre at Blacktown, following reports a man and a woman had been detained by security for shoplifting. The man allegedly fled prior to police arriving. Police attended and were told the man had fled before arresting the woman, who was in possession of clothing alleged to have been stolen from a store. The man was arrested a short time later at a nearby bus terminal. The 26-year-old man and 26-year-old woman were both charged with goods in custody, stealing, breach of bail and not wear fitted face mask. They were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today.
– Just after 9.20pm, officers from Mt Druitt responded to reports of a stealing from a store at a Mt Druitt shopping centre. After being given information by security, police approached a man, who was not wearing a face mask, and attempted to speak with him. The man allegedly removed a number of items from his jacket, dumping them on the ground and fled on foot with a bicycle. Officers ran after the man, catching up with him a short time later, and a struggle ensued. It’s alleged the man kicked and punched the officers and when a security guard came to assist, the man allegedly slapped him a number of times. The 48-year-old man was subdued and arrested, before being charged with assault officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, larceny, resist person aiding officer, common assault and not wear fitted face covering in retail/business premises. He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today.
Police issued Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to nine people and one organisation. Details of the PINS issued include:
– Following an investigation by Sydney City Police regarding alleged breaches of the Public Health (COVID-19 Northern Beaches) Order 2020 at a wedding reception held at a licensed venue on Jones Bay Wharf on Sunday 27 December 2020, officers yesterday (Thursday 7 January 2021) issued a 28-year-old woman, who is a director of the venue, a $5000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction Section 7/8/9 of the Public Health Act. It brings the total number of infringements issued over the event to 22.
– About 11am, officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were patrolling a shopping centre at Maroubra, when they were alerted that a man and a woman were not wearing masks, contrary to Public Health Order. Police spoke with the pair and reminded them of their obligations, however, they refused to comply with directions. They were each issued $200 PINs.
– About 2.10pm, officers from Nepean Police Area Command were patrolling St Marys Railway Station when they stopped a 52-year-old man not wearing a mask. Police spoke to the man and he was issued a $200 PIN.
– Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 32-year-old man for not wearing a mask at Cabramatta Railway Station, about 1.50pm. The man refused to comply with directions and was issued a $200 PIN.
– As part of proactive patrols, officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 39-year-old man, who was not wearing a correctly fitted mask at Bondi Junction Rail Interchange, about 3.30pm. The man refused to comply with orders to fit the mask across his mouth and was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
– Just before 8.30am, officers from Police Transport Command (PTC) spoke to a 35-year-old man, who was not wearing a face mask and did not have a valid ticket. Checks revealed the man had been warned the day before about not wearing a mask. He was issued a $200 PIN and an infringement for fare evasion.
– About 4.10pm, officers from Inner West Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 22-year-old Maroubra man who was not wearing a face mask at Newtown Railway Station. He was advised of his requirement under the Public Health Order and given a warning. Shortly after, the man made his way to the platform without a face mask. He was approached by police again and issued a $200 PIN.
– Officers from PTC were patrolling Campbelltown Railway Station about 3.20pm, when they spoke with a 41-year-old man, who was not wearing a mask. The man told police he didn’t own one and won’t wear one because it’s a joke. He was issued a $200 PIN and moved-on from the area.
– As part of proactive patrols of Katoomba, officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 42-year-old man outside a home on Whinmoor Street. Checks revealed the man was from Newport – in the north-end of the Northern Beaches and had bail conditions not to be in Katoomba. He was subsequently charged with a breach of bail and will appear at Penrith Local Court today. He was also issued a $1000 PIN.
Police also issued more than 35 warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.
Further, police were on hand at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday to monitor the behaviour of 8692 spectators on the opening day of the third Test between Australia and India. Venue staff and police were required to remind spectators of their obligations in relation to wearing a face mask, however, no infringements for COVID breaches were issued.
There were 11 people ejected by police; four young persons for bringing alcohol into the ground, one issued a criminal infringement notice for offensive language and bring alcohol into the ground; another man was fined for bringing alcohol into the ground, four intoxicated people were given banning orders for 12 months, and one man issued an infringement for failing to quit and re-enter licensed premises.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.

Police have issued 12 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs), and issued more than 50 warnings for breaches of the Public Health Act.
Police issued fines to 11 people, with one man receiving PINs on successive days.
Details of the PINS issued include,
• Just before 4.30pm on Tuesday (5 January 2020), officers attached to Police Transport Command (PTC) approached a man without a face covering at Blacktown Train Station. The man told police he didn’t have a mask and had no intention of getting one. The man was issued a $200 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN). About 9.45am yesterday (Wednesday 6 January 2021), PTC officers approached the man, who was again at Blacktown Train Station and not wearing a mask. He allegedly swore at police and said he does not wear masks. He was issued a second $200 PIN and given a move-on direction.
• Officers from Cumberland Police Area Command were called to a shopping centre at Merrylands about 9.30am following reports a man was verbally abusing security and staff. On arrival, police were told the 60-year-old man had been asked to put a mask on, which he refused to do, and became aggressive before security directed him to leave. As he was being escorted from the centre, the man struggled with a security officer before they both fell to the ground. While no injuries were reported, the man requested to be taken to Auburn Hospital, where he again refused to wear a face mask. He was issued a $200 PIN.
• Just before 9.30am, a 68-year-old man allegedly entered a hardware store at Blacktown without a face mask. A security guard and a police officer approached the man and directed him to wear a mask; however, he refused. He also refused to show police identification. He was arrested and taken to Blacktown Police Station so police could conduct further inquiries. The man was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
• About 10.20am, officers from PTC spoke with a 45-year-old man who was drinking alcohol on a train near Panania. The man was escorted from the train and checks revealed the man had previously been warned about not wearing a face mask while on public transport. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN and an infringement for drinking alcohol on public transport.
• Police were conducting proactive patrols at a shopping centre at Bass Hill about 2.45pm when they approached a 38-year-old man in a supermarket who was not wearing a face mask. The man told police he had been at the gym and left his mask in the car. While speaking with police, another man approached and gave him a face mask, but police allege the man refused to put it on. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
• About 3.25pm, officers from PTC approached a 54-year-old man, who was not wearing a face mask, at Glenfield Train Station. The man told officers that a mask won’t work because he has a beard. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
• Officers from PTC approached a 44-year-old man as he alighted from a train at Glenfield Train Station about 5.30pm, after noticing he was not wearing a face mask. The man told officers he didn’t have a mask despite knowing he needed to wear one. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
• PTC officers approached a 38-year-old woman who was smoking while waiting on a platform at Campbelltown Train Station about 6.30pm. She was advised that it was an offence to smoke in the area and also an offence not to wear a face mask. After checks revealed the woman did not have a valid Opal card, she was issued a $200 PIN and two further infringements for smoking and fare evasion.
• Just after 9.30pm, officers from PTC approached an 18-year-old woman who was not wearing a face mask on the concourse at Glenfield Train Station. The woman ignored police and continued to walk away but had to stop to wait on the platform. She told officers that she didn’t have a mask and just wanted to catch the train. Police subsequently issued her with a $200 PIN.
• Officers from PTC were patrolling a train near Mt Druitt about 3.20pm, when they spoke to a 50-year-old man who was not wearing a face mask. After the man stated he left his mask at home and did not have a valid ticket, he was issued a $200 PIN and an infringement for fare evasion.
• About 10pm, officers attached to PTC were conducting patrols on trains travelling on the Airport and South Line when they approached a 24-year-old man who was not wearing a mask. When asked why, the man stated he didn’t need to wear one. He was issued a $200 PIN.
Police also issued more than 50 warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
 

Two people have been charged after police were allegedly assaulted during a COVID-19 compliance check in Sydney’s west.
About midnight (Thursday 7 January 2021), officers from Auburn Police Area Command attended a home on Amy Street, Regents Park, to conduct a compliance check on a 39-year-old man.
On arrival, it’s alleged the man verbally abused police before threatening them.
Additional police attended and the man was arrested after allegedly resisting five officers.
During the incident, a 20-year-old woman, known to the man, allegedly hindered police and assaulted a male senior constable.
They were both arrested and taken to Auburn Police Station where the man was charged with intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm and resist of hinder police officer in the execution of duty.
The woman was charged with two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm.
They have both been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Thursday 7 January 2021).

Police have taken legal action against eight people, including a man who allegedly attempted to leave hotel quarantine without satisfying the requirements under the Public Health Act.
Just after 8am yesterday (Tuesday 5 January 2021), police performing hotel quarantine duties at a hotel on Elizabeth Street, Sydney, were called to assist with a guest attempting to leave his room.
Officers were told the 43-year-old man, who arrived in Sydney from Los Angeles on Wednesday 23 December 2020, had refused COVID testing during his quarantine period and was therefore required to complete a further 10 days in hotel quarantine.
It’s alleged the man challenged police in the hallway and questioned police powers under the Public Health Act before the officers physically escorted back to his room.
Additional security officers were allocated to the floor to ensure the man complied with the quarantine order.
Following further inquiries, the Queensland man was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 6 January 2021).
In a separate incident overnight, a man has been issued a $1,000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) following a gathering at a home in Guildford.
About 10.45pm (Tuesday 5 January 2021), officers attached to Cumberland Police Area Command attended a home on Clement Street and discovered a house party with between 30 and 40 guests in attendance.
Police were told the group had earlier been playing loud drums in the backyard.
The homeowner, a 23-year-old man, was issued a $1,000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. Inquiries are continuing.
Meanwhile, six people have also been fined for allegedly not wearing masks across Greater Sydney up until 5pm yesterday (Tuesday 5 January 2021).
– Officers from Police Transport Command (PTC) spoke with a 27-year-old man who was not wearing a face mask about 7.15am, as part of patrols on a Western Line train. The man stated he was in a hurry and didn’t have a face mask. He was issued a $200 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
– About 1pm, PTC officers spoke to a 24-year-old man who was not wearing a mask on a Southern Line train. He told police he had some at home but forgot. He was issued a $200 PIN. The man was again spoken to by police at 2.20pm at Sydenham Railway Station, where he was given a warning and told to get a mask before boarding another train.
– PTC officers were patrolling Campsie Railway Station about 4.30pm, when they approached a 20-year-old man who was not wearing a mask. The man said he had taken it off while on the train before questioning police powers. He was issued a $200 PIN.
– A 23-year-old man was approached by PTC officers at Sydney Railway Station about 2.40pm, after he was observed riding a scooter on the platform after getting off a train. Despite being told not to ride on the platform, the man – who was not wearing a face mask – continued to ride the scooter. The man eventually stopped and put a mask over his face. Inquiries revealed he didn’t have an opal card and while being moved on from the area, the man removed his face covering. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN as well as infringements for travelling without a valid ticket and riding the scooter on the platform.
– About 4.30pm, officers attached to PTC approached a 27-year-old woman who was not wearing a face mask at Campsie Railway Station. The woman became aggressive with police and was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
Police also issued 29 warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Police have charged one person and fined two others who allegedly breached a Public Heath Order by not wearing a mask in public areas yesterday.
About 9.30am (Monday 4 January 2021), officers from Burwood Police Area Command stopped a man on The Boulevarde, Strathfield, after they allegedly saw him steal an energy drink from a nearby grocery store.
Police spoke to the man, who had taken off his mask, and told him he was under arrest for shoplifting.
During this time, the man allegedly refused to properly wear his mask and became aggressive with officers.
He allegedly verbally threatened police before being arrested and taken to Burwood Police Station, where he was charged with shoplifting, resist officer in execution of duty, two counts of intimidate police officer in execution of duty, and not wear fitted face covering in retail/business premises.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Tuesday 5 January 2020).
Two people were issued Penalty Infringement Notices for allegedly not wearing masks across Sydney up until 5pm yesterday (Monday 4 January 2021):

• About 12.20pm, officers from Police Transport Command (PTC) stopped a 35-year-old man who was allegedly not wearing a mask at Seven Hills Railway Station. Officers attempted to issue the man a warning a number of times however he allegedly swore at police and told them to fine him. The man was issued a $200 PIN.

• About 3pm, officers saw a 39-year-old man allegedly not wearing a mask at a shopping centre on Church Street, Parramatta. The man had allegedly been warned about not wearing a mask earlier in the day. He was issued a PIN.

Police also issued more than 25 official warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.

Police have issued a licensee a $5000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) after a Fairfield venue allegedly breached a Public Health Order.
Officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command, licensing police and South West Metropolitan Operations Support Group attended a venue on Spencer Street, Fairfield, about 9.30pm on Saturday (2 January 2021) after concerns were raised about the number of guests at a wedding.
Police observed a large group at the location and spoke to the venue operator, a 46-year-old man. He was advised a number of guests would be required to leave, which he complied with.
Following further inquiries, the licensee of the venue attended Fairfield Police Station yesterday afternoon (Sunday 3 January 2021).
He was issued a $5000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction s7/8/9-COVID-19-Corporation.
Separately, three individuals have also been fined in recent days for breaching the Public Health Order:
– A 27-year-old Cronulla woman has received two PINs in three days for failing to self-isolate as required under the Public Health Act. Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended a resort at Byron Bay about 8.30pm on Thursday (31 December 2020), after receiving information in relation a possible breach of public health orders. Police were told the woman had been notified she was a close contact of a positive COVID case but was not self-isolating and had not been tested. The woman was provided advice about testing facilities and self-isolation before being given PPE to assist with safe travel to the facility. Officers returned to the resort about 8pm the following day (Friday 1 January 2021), and found the woman was not self-isolating. The woman was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the direction under S7/8/9 of the Public Health Act. About 3.30pm yesterday (Sunday 3 January 2021), police were again called to resort after reports the woman was not self-isolating, instead swimming in the resort pool. Following inquiries, the woman was issued with another $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the direction under S7/8/9 of the Public Health Act.
– Two people have been issued PINs after leaving their Northern Beaches home to holiday on the state’s north coast. On Saturday (3 January 2021), police were notified that a man and woman, both aged 32, had left their Collaroy home the previous day to travel to Yamba for a holiday. Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District spoke with the pair and determined they didn’t have a lawful excuse for leaving their home and, in doing so, had breached the Public Health (COVID-19 Northern Beaches) Order. Both were issued an $1000 PIN.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Given the risk of COVID-19 transmission on the Northern Beaches and across Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), the following adjustments are being made.
From midnight tonight, the southern zone of the Northern Beaches will be subject to the same restrictions as Greater Sydney.
Restrictions for the northern zone of the Northern Beaches remain the same with stay at home orders in place until 9 January 2021;

• No visitors to the home.
• Five northern zone residents can gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone.
• Non-essential businesses remain closed.

Given the general risk in Greater Sydney, new measures are required to reduce the transmission potential of COVID-19 while maintaining economic activity.
The following measures for Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains) are effective from midnight tonight;

• Face masks will be mandatory in the following indoor settings: shopping (retail, supermarkets and shopping centres), public/shared transport, indoor entertainment (including cinemas and theatres), places of worship, hair and beauty premises. Face masks will also be mandatory for all staff in hospitality venues and casinos and for patrons using gaming services. Compliance will start from Monday, 4 January 2021 with $200 on the spot fines for individuals for non-compliance. Children under 12 are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
• Gym classes reduced to 30 people.
• Places of worship and religious services limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people per separate area.
• Weddings and funerals limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people.
• Outdoor performances and protests reduced to 500 people.
• Controlled, outdoor gatherings (seated, ticketed, enclosed) reduced to 2,000 people.
• Night clubs not permitted.

People are still encouraged to limit non-essential gatherings and reduce their mobility where possible to further minimise the risk of transmission in the community.
Whilst these measures do not apply to areas outside Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), we urge all residents and visitors across the State to practise COVID safe behaviours and get tested even if symptoms are mild.
We thank the community for their patience and understanding.
Our priority is always to protect the health and safety of the community.

Given the current situation on the Northern Beaches and increasing concern about transmission of COVID-19 in other parts of Greater Sydney (which includes Wollongong) new restrictions will be in place on New Year’s Eve.
This decision has been made taking into account updated health advice from Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant.
For New Year’s Eve in Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains) the following will apply;

• Household gatherings will be limited to 5 visitors (including children).
• The limit for outdoor gatherings will be reduced from 50 to 30.

Restrictions for the northern zone of the Northern Beaches remain the same but for the southern zone of the Northern Beaches the following will now apply;

• Household gatherings will be limited to 5 visitors from within your zone (including children).

These changes come into effect from midnight tonight (Wednesday 30 December) and will be in place until further notice.
People are encouraged to limit non-essential gatherings over the New Year period where possible to further minimise the risk of transmission in the community.
We thank the community for their patience.
Our priority is always to keep the community safe.
We are watching the emerging situation closely and will update the community accordingly should any further changes be required.

Hospitality businesses and hairdressers are being reminded to download and use the NSW Government’s Service NSW QR code for registrations, or risk serious penalties, with the new rules taking effect from 1 January, 2021.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Government’s Service NSW QR code system is fast, free, accurate and private.
“The consequences of non-compliance and complacency when it comes to electronic record keeping are serious – it puts people’s health at risk and destroys jobs,” Mr Dominello said.
“The feedback we’ve received from contact tracers is that the Service NSW QR code is the most effective system in assisting NSW Health to protect the community.
“Our QR code also prevents the use of fake names as a customer’s personal details are automatically captured via the Service NSW app when they scan their smartphone over the QR code.
“We must be vigilant and cannot rest on our laurels. Businesses are already required to have electronic registrations and this move will strengthen our resilience further.
“Non-compliance is easy to detect and won’t be tolerated. Pursuant to the Public Health Orders you either have the Service NSW QR code or you don’t. There will be no ifs or buts. Penalties include $5,000 on-the-spot fines, followed by a week’s closure and month’s closure if problems continue.
“About 50,000 NSW Government QR codes are being used by businesses and more than 2 millioncustomers having scanned one of our QR codes, with 94 per cent giving it the thumbs up.”
Mr Dominello encouraged customers to download the Service NSW app prior to the new rules taking effect on 1 January, 2021.
“It only takes minutes to do and seconds for businesses to check, which helps keep people safe and the economy open,” Mr Dominello said.
Businesses are also required to ensure that they have sighted the customers’ green tick prior to entry to comply with the orders.
Personal information obtained by businesses will be held securely by the Government and only used by NSW Health in the event of an outbreak. It will be destroyed after 28 days.
Customers without a smartphone will be able to register at businesses via other digital devices, such as an electronic form on a tablet.
The Government will consider expanding the mandate to other industries later in the new year and will keep the community informed.