Category: NSW News

Investigators have charged a man as their inquiries continue into a series of thefts and attempted thefts from supermarkets in Sydney’s south west last weekend.
Earlier this week, officers from Wetherill Park Region Enforcement Squad commenced an investigation following reports of thefts and attempted thefts of toilet paper from restricted storage areas at supermarkets at Auburn, Granville, Bass Hill and Lidcombe last Sunday (22 March 2020).
Local police attended the stores before officers from Wetherill Park Region Enforcement Squad (RES) commenced an investigation into the thefts.
Following extensive inquiries, which included an appeal to the community for information, investigators arrested a 30-year-old man during a vehicle stop on Vaughan Street, Lidcombe, just before 2pm yesterday (Friday 27 March 2020).
The Auburn man was taken to Auburn Police Station and charged with two counts of larceny, robbery in company, break and enter dwelling-house etc with intent and enter inclosed land not presc premises without lawful excuse.
Police will allege in court that the man, who is in company of another man, stole approximately 400 rolls of toilet paper from the Auburn and Granville stores, and attended the Bass Hill and Lidcombe stores with intent to steal.
He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 28 March 2020) via video link.
Investigations are continuing and further arrests are expected.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, praised the actions of the New South Police.
“At this time of crisis, it only takes one fool to cause a high level of unnecessary community anxiety. I congratulate the police on this arrest.”

A woman will face court today after allegedly repeatedly coughing and spitting on an officer during a vehicle stop in Sydney’s south west yesterday.
Just after 5pm (Friday 28 March 2020), Traffic and Highway Patrol officers were patrolling the Greenacre area, when they attempted to stop an Audi on Greenacre Road.
As police conducted a U-turn, the Audi allegedly accelerated away at speed, travelling at no less than 120km/h in a signposted 50km/h zone, before turning left on Waterloo Road.
The Audi was allegedly seen disobeying a red traffic signal at the intersection of Mimosa Road before crossing unbroken lines to overtake a vehicle and turn right into Macquarie Street.
After allegedly failing to stop at a stop sign, the Audi turned right into Roberts Road and stopped in heavy traffic.
An officer, who had been following the Audi, approached the vehicle and spoke to the driver. The driver, a 25-year-old woman, was placed under arrest; however, she refused to get out of the vehicle.
She was physically removed and handcuffed, claiming she was on her way to be tested for COVID-19 before resisting and repeatedly coughing in the officer’s face.
The woman was escorted to the police vehicle, and as the officer reached inside, she struck her head against the vehicle window and spat at the officer.
She continued to resist despite a warning from police and was physically restrained on the ground after again spitting in the officer’s face.
Further police attended to assist, and the woman was taken to Bankstown Police Station and charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45 km/h, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, and assault officer in execution of duty.
She was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 28 March 2020).

Police are urging the community to follow self-isolation directions, after fining a man in the state’s west who failed to do so.
About 1.25pm on Monday (23 March 2020), a 64-year-old man arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Thailand. He was advised he was subject to a Public Health Order and would be required to quarantine for a 14-day period.
Officers attached to Central North Police District received information that the man planned to breach the order and attended a home in North Bourke about 1.25pm today (Friday 27 March 2020) and advised the man against leaving the property.
About 3.55pm, police received further information that the man left his home to enter the Bourke CBD.
The man was located on Oxley Street, Bourke and advised to go home immediately as he was in breach of the order.
About 4.50pm, officers returned to the man’s home and issued him with a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with a direction under Section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).
Central North Police District Commander, Superintendent Andrew Hurst, is urging the community to take the threat of COVID-19 seriously for the sake of their community.
“This deadly virus is a national issue, but we must remain particularly vigilant in regional areas, because failing to do so could be devastating for our communities.” Superintendent Hurst said.
“If you choose to put the lives of your community at risk by ignoring a direction, you will be caught and you will be fined.”
NSW Police officers have the additional power to issue Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction under the Public Health Act.
PINs carry on-the-spot fines of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
Anyone with information about members of the community breaching Public Health Orders or otherwise contravening the Public Health Act is urged to report online to Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

NSW workers and businesses are now able to access a range of advice and support on non-health related COVID-19 enquiries via the Service NSW contact centre 13 77 88.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the hotline will be available 24/7 and Service NSW will recruit 1000 workers to fill a mixture of full-time, part-time and casual roles.
“This is the greatest health challenge we have endured in living memory and it is impacting households and businesses across the State,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We’re hiring more staff to respond to this health crisis and the Service NSW contact centre, will temporarily transition to 24/7 operation to support the state’s response to COVID-19.
“We want to ensure every family and business can access the advice they need in one convenient location.
“Whether you want to know the latest updates on restrictions, cost of living assistance, financial support for businesses or rules around social distancing, the hotline is here to help.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the transition to 24/7 Contact Centre operations would be bolstered by the recruitment drive to add 1000 extra staff to Service NSW’s existing 2800 strong workforce.
“Service NSW is working directly with impacted businesses such as airlines, tourism operators and those in hospitality to match stood down workers with appropriate roles,” Mr Dominello said.
“The hotline is a great resource and I encourage people across NSW to call if they need information or support around COVID-19 and its impact to our community.”
For more information on the NSW Government’s response to COVID-19 visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au or www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.

Police are appealing for information from the public after an off-duty healthcare worker was assaulted at Blackheath earlier this week.
Police have been told a 25-year-old woman – who was wearing her uniform as an assistant-in-nursing – was in a takeaway shop on the Great Western Highway about 4.30pm last Tuesday (24 March 2020), when an older woman entered the store and began deliberately coughing in her direction.
The healthcare worker was leaving the store when she was again confronted by the woman, who verbally abused her before punching her twice in the face.
The worker left the shop and immediately reported the incident to officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command, who commenced an investigation.
They have now appealed for public assistance to identify a woman they believe can assist with this inquiry.
The woman is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in her 70s, about 150cm tall with white shoulder-length hair.
At the time she was wearing beige-coloured overalls with yellow stripes, a white shirt and a silver necklace and pendant.
Police are seeking witnesses to this incident, as well as anyone who may have CCTV, phone or dashcam footage, to contact Katoomba Police Station on (02) 4782 8199 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A Sydney massage parlour owner, three staff members and a returned traveller from the Lake Macquarie area are the first individuals and business in NSW to receive infringements following amendments to the Public Health Act.
Earlier today (Thursday 26 March 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were conducting a patrol in the Sydney CBD as part of a proactive police operation to ensure individuals and businesses were complying with all ministerial directions related to COVID-19.
As a result of these inspections, a massage parlour on Sussex Street was identified as still operating, contrary to a Public Health Order.
Officers spoke with the female owner of the business and issued her with a $5000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for failing to comply with a direction under Section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).
Three female staff members were also issued with $1000 PINs.
In a separate incident, last Saturday (21 March 2020), a 65-year-old woman arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Bali. She was advised she was subject to a Public Health Order and was required to quarantine for a 14-day period.
After receiving information that the woman had contravened the order, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended her Redhead home about midday on Monday (23 March 2020) and issued her with a warning for breaching the order.
Police received further information that the woman had left her home during the morning today (Thursday 26 March 2020) and was in breach of the order.
About 1.45pm, officers returned to the woman’s home and issued her with a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with a direction under Section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said the rules could not be clearer and they apply to everyone.
“No one is above the law. If you decide to ignore a direction, you will be caught, and you may very well find yourself slapped with a hefty fine,” the Minister said.
“The fact that people are still not complying is the reason why we have police out in full force enforcing these directions.
“This behaviour is not only reckless and stupid, but potentially deadly.”
NSW Police officers now have the additional power to issue Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction under the Public Health Act.
PINs carry on-the-spot fines of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
Anyone with information about members of the community breaching Public Health Orders or otherwise contravening the Public Health Act is urged to report online to Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

Police will have the power to issue $1,000 on-the-spot fines for individuals and $5,000 for corporations not complying with ministerial directions relating to COVID-19, as part of a state-wide crackdown on reckless behaviour to slow the spread of the virus.
Officers will also no longer require a warrant to arrest an individual breaching a public health order, after the NSW Government passed legislation to give Police greater powers to enforce orders under the Public Health Act 2010.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the measures were tough but necessary to minimise the risk the pandemic poses to public safety.
“Despite the majority of people doing the right thing, we are still seeing reckless and irresponsible behaviour that endangers the lives of others, particularly to elderly and immunocompromised members of the community,” Mr Elliott said.
“The rules are clear and they apply to everyone. No one is above the law. If you decide to ignore a direction, you will be caught and you may find yourself slapped with a hefty fine.”
“Our message to the community is simple: be vigilant, be sensible, and stay up to date with the latest health advice.”
Police also have the option to charge anyone found failing to comply with a ministerial direction, which carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or an $11,000 fine for an individual and $55,000 for a corporation.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the circumstances called for strong action – and police stand ready to respond.
“I’m encouraged that most members of the community are taking this issue seriously and adhering to government advice,” Mr Fuller said.
“However, disturbingly, our officers have already responded to dozens of reports of breaches of ministerial directions.”
Members of the public can report to Crime Stoppers if they hold concerns an individual or community is failing to comply with Public Health Orders. You can report online at www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000.

Supermarkets and pharmacies will be able to operate around the clock in NSW to guarantee communities have access to essential goods at all times during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 today enabled Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes to issue his first order to override normal planning controls restricting hours of operation.
“These orders cut red tape so we can move quickly and decisively to ensure the health, wellbeing and safety of our community during this time,” Mr Stokes said.
“The focus of our first order is giving people flexibility to visit their local supermarket, pharmacy or corner store at any time of day if those retail premises choose to operate for extended hours.
“This means the community will have access to food, medical supplies and essential household goods whenever they need it.
“Stores will also be able to dispose of their waste at any time of day, rather than during restricted hours, to dispose of the significant and sudden increase in stock.”
The order also provides greater flexibility for home-based businesses to operate at any time and expand their business as necessary.
“For those businesses operating out of home, we are facilitating more flexible operating hours and increasing the number of people working together from two to five, providing they can abide by the social distancing rules,” Mr Stokes said.
“This is important as more and more people work from home and need flexible working arrangements.”
Today’s move is on top of changes made last week to allow for 24/7 deliveries at supermarkets and pharmacies. The changes will be in place until the crisis is over. The order is available on NSW Planning’s website at: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/COVID19.

Commissioner Mick Fuller has reaffirmed the commitment of the NSW Police Force to use all powers available to officers to enforce all COVID-19-related ministerial directions.
A number of ministerial directions been announced to date, covering incoming travellers, diagnosed persons, mass gatherings and social distancing rules, and the closure of social gathering places.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides NSW Police with the power to enforce these orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply.
Following the NSW Government’s recent amendment to the legislation, police will have the additional power to issue Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction.
PINs carry on-the-spot fines of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
This is in addition to the existing enforcement powers available to officers, which include issuing Court Attendance Notices with a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.
Commissioner Fuller said the circumstances call for strong action – and police stand ready to respond.
“This health crisis is like nothing we have ever experienced, with more than 1000 cases now confirmed in NSW, and the numbers continuing to grow,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“I’m encouraged that most members of the community are taking this issue seriously and are adhering to the government advice.
“However, disturbingly, our officers have already responded to dozens of reports of breaches of ministerial directions from members of the community.
“This is astounding, and incredibly disappointing, as these people are putting themselves and the wider community at an unacceptable risk.
“The last thing we want to do is to have to use police powers to ensure compliance, but let me be clear – we have been using them and we will continue to do so.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the measures were tough but necessary to minimise the risk the pandemic poses to public safety.
“Despite the majority of people doing the right thing, we are still seeing reckless and irresponsible behaviour that endangers the lives of others, particularly to elderly and immunocompromised members of the community,” Mr Elliott said.
“The rules are clear. No more than one person should occupy a two by two metre area, and public places such as the beach and retail outlets are no exception.
“Our message to the community is simple: be vigilant, be sensible, and stay up to date with the latest health advice.
“No one is above the law. If you decide to ignore a direction to self-isolate, you will be caught and you may find yourself slapped with a hefty fine.”
NSW Police Force last week launched operation Coronavirus to guide the organisation’s response, with highly specialised officers providing practical and logistical support to our 17,000-strong workforce.
The Police Operations Centre (POC), the command location for coordinating all police activities in response to major incidents, has been made operational.
Commissioner Fuller said in addition to responding to reports of non-compliance, police had put in place a number of proactive measures to help stop the spread of the virus.
“Our officers are conducting proactive patrols in every Police Area Command and Police District across the state, to add another layer of enforcement and ensure people in public places are sticking to the rules.
“These patrols also form part of our ongoing work with retailers, to ensure calm and fairness at the checkouts.
“I want to urge the people of NSW to stay safe and follow the official government advice.
“Now more than ever, we need to pull together and fight this virus as a community.”