³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾

Police have charged five people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 111 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since the last update.

Charges:

• Just after midnight (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District were patrolling Crangan Bay, when they stopped a vehicle on Kanangra Road. Police spoke with the 18-year-old male driver and an 18-year-old male passenger, who advised they had been out fishing at Gwandalan. Checks revealed the driver was unlicensed, and the vehicle had been grounded with a red defect label on 11 March, which had since been peeled off the windscreen. The driver was taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with never licensed person drive vehicle on road, use vehicle in contravention of major defect notice, deface or remove defective vehicle label when not authorised, and fail to comply requirement public health order – COVID-19. He was granted bail and is due to appear at Wyong Local Court on Monday 22 June 2020. His passenger received a warning under the Public Health Act.

• Officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a vehicle on the M2 at Carlingford about 12.25am (Saturday 11 April 2020), and spoke with the 23-year-old female driver and a male passenger. When asked to provide her licence, the woman stated she had lost her handbag before provided a false name. Officers observed the woman’s handbag sitting on the centre console, and checks revealed she was disqualified from driving. During a search of the vehicle and handbag, police located items of clothing believed to be stolen, cannabis and ice. The woman also underwent a roadside drug test, which returned a positive result. She was taken to The Hills Police Station and charged with drive whilst disqualified, driver state false name or home address, two counts of possess prohibited drug, goods in custody, and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. She was refused bail and is next due to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday (15 April 2020).

• About 4.40am (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended a commercial property on Freemans Drive, Cooranbong, and located a 29-year-old man allegedly stealing pavers. Checks revealed the man was unlicensed, his vehicle was not registered, and the trailer had an unknown registration plate affixed. During a search of the vehicle, police located prescription drugs and a folding knife. The man, who claimed he was unaware of COVID-19 restrictions, was unable to provide a reasonable excuse for leaving his home. He was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with larceny, trespassing, possess prescribed restricted substance, custody of knife in public place, drive while licence cancelled, use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on road, use class A vehicle displaying misleading etc number-plate, and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 2 June 2020.

• About 12.15pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area responded to reports a food delivery rider’s bicycle had been stolen from George Street, Sydney. Police tracked the bike on CCTV and officers from Police Transport Command stopped a 14-year-old boy with the bike at Central Railway Station a short time later. During the arrest, the boy allegedly resisted and assaulted the officer. No injuries were reported. The boy, who did not have a reasonable excuse to be away from his Colyton home, was taken to Day Street Police Station. He was charged with steal from person, assault police, resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The boy has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Children’s Court today (Sunday 12 April 2020).

• Officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command attended a home on Leichhardt Street, Katoomba, about 4.30pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), following reports a man had been assaulted while stopping an unknown woman from stealing items from his car. Police arrived and arrested a 32-year-old woman, who was allegedly in possession of the man’s dash cam and mouthguard. The man had suffered scratches to his face but did not require treatment. The woman was taken to Katoomba Police Station and charged with trespass, enter vehicle without consent of owner, larceny, common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. She has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 12 April 2020).

PINs include:

• A $5000 PIN will be issued to a 47-year-old woman by officers from Police Transport Command at Newcastle last night. About 9pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), the woman was wandering across Hunter Street, and reportedly mooning the light rail. Concerned for her welfare, police requested assistance from NSW Ambulance paramedics, who arrived a short time later. While they were attempting to load her onto the gurney, the woman spat at a female paramedic on two occasions. The woman was taken to hospital for assessment but will later be issued with the PIN.

• Police from Kuring Gai Police Area Command issued PINs to four people after they were seen travelling in a car along the Pacific Highway at Turramurra about 4am on Saturday 4 April 2020. Officers spoke to the group at a service station and they admitted to attending a party with friends at Waterloo and were travelling back to the Central Coast. Following inquiries, the 45-year-old man and three women aged 40, 34 and 39 were each issued $1000 PINs.

• A 43-year-old woman and a 58-year-old man from Mascot have been issued with a PIN by officers attached to Blue Mountains PAC for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after they were found at Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba, about 11.15am on Wednesday (8 April 2020).

• At 1.45pm on Thursday 9 April 2020, officers attached to South Coast Police District were patrolling Surf Beach, when they stopped a man and woman on Cook Street. Police were not provided a reasonable reason for them to be out of the home and searched them, with police allegedly locating cannabis on the 38-year-old woman. She was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice to appear at Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday 13 July 2020. Both the woman and man, aged 42, had been warned on Thursday 2 April 2020 by Batemans Bay police in relation to the Public Health Act. They were issued PINs for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7 – COVID 19.

• About 9.30pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command observed a 46-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman standing outside a vehicle on Lyell Place, Cartwright. Police spoke with the pair and the four occupants of the vehicle – three men, aged 25, 41, and 43, and a 36-year-old woman. The group claimed to be “chilling out'”. Following a search of the group and the vehicle, police seized heroin, ice, and drug paraphernalia. The 41-year-old man and the 46-year-old man were issued Court Attendance Notices for drug offences, and all six were issued with $1000 PINs before being moved on.

• Two men, both aged 32, from ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾bush and Rhodes, have been issued with PINs by officers attached to Blue Mountains Police Area Command for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after they were found at Echo Point Road at Katoomba about 9.50pm on Thursday (9 April 2020).

• About 11.10pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), police stopped a vehicle on Lake Road, Port Macquarie, and spoke with the occupants – a 23-year-old man and two women, aged 17 and 20. After providing the details of her twin sister, the 20-year-old woman attempted to leave the scene and a brief struggle ensued. She was detained and all the occupants were issued a warning under the Public Health Act. The 20-year-old woman was taken home by police but refused to enter the home, instead walking away and giving the officers an obscene hand gesture and stating she was going to a friend’s house and to leave the fine in the mailbox. She was subsequently issued with a $1000 PIN.

• About 7.30pm on Thursday 2 April 2020, officers from Inner West Police Area Command stopped and spoke with a 45-year-old Glebe man after a group was seen congregating on King Street at Newtown. The man was issued a move-on direction. On Friday (10 April 2020), officers saw the man twice congregating with a group. The man ignored police directions to move-on and was subsequently arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station where he issued a PIN for failing to comply with a public health order.

• Police from Mid North Coast Police District spoke with two men, both aged 32, on Crescent Head Road at Crescent Head just before midnight on Friday (10 April 2020). The men told police they had been catching up with friends. They were subsequently issued PINs for not comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID 19.

• In the early hours of Friday (10 April 2020), officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District attended a home on Bligh Street, South Grafton, following reports of a loud party. On arrival, the attendees scattered and after reminding the occupants of the requirements under the Public Health Act, police issued a noise abatement direction. About 8.30am, police spoke to three men – two of which are the occupants of the Bligh Street home – who were drinking together on the corner of Bligh and Cambridge Streets. The men, aged 18, 25 and 27, were reminded they were breaching the Ministerial Directions, and after the older man began swearing and 25-year-old man refused to go home, they were issued with a $500 fine for offensive language and a $1100 fine for continuing intoxication in a public place respectively. All three men were issued with $1000 PINs and sent home.

• About 3.30am (Friday 10 April 2020), officers from South Coast Police District were called to a hotel on Kinghorne Street, Nowra, following reports of a disturbance between a group of people, which had spilled out into the car park. On arrival, police spoke with four men – aged 20, 21, and two aged 23, and a 21-year-old woman – who denied there had been a fight. Checks revealed one of the men had booked the room under the guise of ‘work’ but had invited the other four people over to drink. All five people were issued $1000 PINs.

• About 3.40am (Friday 10 April 2020), officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command responded to reports of a single vehicle crash on the Great Western Highway, Warrimoo. Police were told the vehicle had veered off the road, mounted a concrete barrier and drove into the scrub, flipping onto its side. Neither the 22-year-old male driver or the 20-year-old female passenger were injured during the crash. After speaking with the pair, police established that they had taken a drive from their south-west Sydney homes to see the Three Sisters at Katoomba. The pair were issued with $1000 PINs.

• On Friday 10 April 2020, officers attached to Monaro Police District were patrolling the Kosciuszko ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Park Thredbo when they were alerted to two men driving a black Holden Astra who were seeking accommodation. The same men are believed to have been spoken to by police twice the day before (Thursday 9 April 2020) on the Snowy Mountains Highway, Pine Valley, and advised to drive direct to Melbourne, as they indicated they were flying out of Australia to their home country, Taiwan. The 37-year-old driver was issued traffic infringement notice for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.

• A 15-year-old girl was issued a PIN by officers from Kuring Gai PAC for failing to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID 19, after she was caught in a vehicle with a man not related to her about 1.30pm on Friday (10 April 2020) at Wahroonga. The girl was unable to provide police with a reasonable excuse for being out of her home.

• About 3pm (Friday 10 April 2020), officers from Richmond Police District were patrolling Lennox Head, when they observed a vehicle parked at Lake Ainsworth. After speaking with the occupants – a man and woman, both aged 29 – it was established they were sightseeing in the area after travelling some 120km from their home at Parkwood, Queensland. The pair was issued with $1000 infringements and directed to go home.

• Officers from Police Transport Command were patrolling Central Railway Station about 3.30pm on Friday (10 April 2020), when they noticed a man dancing on Eddy Avenue. The 53-year-old Lalor Park man provided various reasons for being in the area, however, none of them were reasonable under the Public Health Act, and he was issued a warning and move-on direction. When police located the man at the same location about 6.30pm, he said he didn’t want to go home. He was issued with a $1000 PIN and directed to go home.

• About 7pm (Friday 10 April 2020), officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command were called to an apartment block on Glenview Street, Paddington, following reports of an unknown man in the common laundry area. While police were speaking with the 47-year-old man, he dropped a syringe. During a search of the man, police located the drug ‘ice’ and a health care card in someone else’s name. He was issued with a Court Attendance Notice for goods in custody and possess prohibited drug. The Waterloo man was also issued a $1000 PIN and moved on.

• About 7.25pm (Friday 10 April 2020), officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command located a group of men in a park on St Johns Road, Canley Heights. After speaking with the five men – aged 19, 21 and three aged 20, police identified they did not have a reasonable excuse for being out. Following further inquiries, each of the men was issued with a $1000 PIN and given a move-on direction.

• Just before 8pm on Friday (10 April 2020), officers attached to Central North Police District stopped a Holden Rodeo utility on Nyngan-Mundaroo Road, 13km north of Nyngan, for a random breath test which returned a negative result. Upon speaking with the driver and two occupants – aged 52, 23 and 13 – police established their reason for travel was considered non-essential and issued them all with a warning to return to their home address in Griffith. About 2.10pm yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020), the same vehicle was located at a truck stop on the Mitchell Highway at North Bourke. The same three males were with the vehicle and had set up a swag on the side of the road. As the trio ignored Ministerial Directions, the two adults were issued $1000 PINs.

• About 8.20pm (Friday 10 April 2020), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended Rocky Point Road, Eraring, following reports of issues relating to social distancing of anglers. Police spoke with up to 30 people at the location, many of which left the area a short time later. One man, aged 34, was identified as residing at Punchbowl and was advised his travel to the area was in contravention of the Ministerial Direction in relation to essential travel. The man argued with officers and insisted he would keep fishing and not return home. He was subsequently issued with $1000 PIN.

• Officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command attended a home on Polding Street, Fairfield Heights, about 8.45pm (Friday 10 April 2020), following reports of a physical altercation. On arrival, police were told there was no disturbance, but identified a 19-year-old woman at the premises was in breach of COVID-19 directions. She was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN and sent home.

• Officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command were patrolling at Prestons, when they stopped a vehicle on Lyn Parade just before 9pm (Friday 10 April 2020). Police spoke with the occupants – three men, aged 34, 35 and 39, and a 39-year-old woman – who were unable to provide a reasonable excuse for their travels together. Police then searched the group and after they sighted the drug ‘ice’ in the 34-year-old man’s underwear, he allegedly ran from the officers and consumed the drugs. He was detained a short time later and assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics. Police also located cash on the man, which is believed to have been illegally obtained. Checks also revealed he had previously been issued with an official warning under the Public Health Act, so he will be issued with a Court Attendance Notice for breach of Ministerial Direction, resist officer in the execution of duty, and goods in custody. The other three people will be issued with $1000 PINs.

• About 9pm on Friday (10 April 2020), officers attached to Murray River Police District attended a home on Tallow Street, Moulamein, and issued a 36-year-old woman with an infringement after earlier speaking to her about as driving complaint and warning her about being outside her home without a reasonable excuse at Carne Street.

• A 40-year-old woman was issued a PIN for breaching the Ministerial directions after officers attached to Newcastle City Police District observed her acting suspiciously on Hugh Street in Merewether about 9.15pm on Friday (10 April 2020). The woman could not provide a lawful excuse for why she was out and issued the infringement for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9- COVID-19.

• A 25-year-old Auburn woman and a 21-year-old Guildford man has been issued with a PIN by officers attached to Blue Mountains PAC for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after she was found at Hawkesbury Lookout about 9.25pm on Friday (10 April 2020), without reasonable excuse.

• Officers attached to Parramatta Police Area Command stopped a vehicle on Church Street, North Parramatta, about 10pm on Friday (10 April 2020) for a random breath test and spoke to the 23-year-old driver. The man was out of home without a reasonable excuse and the car was searched, with police allegedly locating cannabis. The man was cautioned and also issued a PIN for fail to comply with requirement of public health – COVID-19.

• Three men, one 24-year-old and two aged 20, were issued PINs for fail to comply with noticed direction when they were stopped by officers attached to Murray River Police District on Hovell Street, South Albury about 11pm (Friday 10 April 2020).

• Police from Coffs/Clarence Police District stopped a vehicle on the Macleay Valley Way at Bellimbopinni about 11pm on Friday (10 April 2020). Officers spoke to the driver, a 55-year-old man, and established he didn’t have a reasonable excuse to have left the house. The man told officers he was going to visit family and wasn’t deterred by the ministerial directions. He was issued a PIN for not comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID 19.

• Police from Lake Macquarie Police District issued a PIN to a 24-year-old man after he was caught drinking at a relative’s house in Toronto about 11.30pm on Friday (10 April 2020). The man was located inside a small room with his brother consuming alcohol. He was issued a PIN for not comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID 19.

• About 12.50am on Saturday 11 April 2020, police from Central West Police District stopped a Holden Astra on Callaghan Street in Parkes after the vehicle was seen making a u-turn and driving away from the police car. Officers spoke with the driver, a 34-year-old man, who admitted he had been visiting friends. He was issued a PIN for failing to comply with a noticed direction.

• A man and woman, both aged 18 from Pitt Town, have been issued with a PIN by officers attached to Blue Mountains Police Area Command for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after they were found at Hawkesbury Heights Lookout, about 1am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020).

• A 16-year-old boy from Tomerong, a 17-year-old boy from Nowra, a 25-year-old man from South Nowra, a 17-year-old boy from Cambewarra, an 18-year-old man from Sanctuary Point, has been issued with a $1000 PIN after being pulled over on the Princes Highway at Falls Creek, just after 1am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020) by officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command. Police allege all five had disregarded the Ministerial Direction by going camping together.

• A 29-year-old Kogarah man from has been issued with a PIN by officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after he was found on Gap Road at Watsons Bay about 1.50am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020).

• A 23-year-old Killara woman from has been issued with a PIN by officers attached to Eastern Suburbs PAC for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after she was stopped by police on St Marks Road at Darling Point, about 2.15am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). The woman failed a roadside breath test and was arrested and taken to Waverley police Station where she returned a BAS of 0.070. She was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Friday 19 June 2020.

• A 25-year-old man was stopped and searched by police around 2.40am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020) on Tink Avenue, Dubbo. The man was allegedly found to be in possession of a knife, housebreaking implements and suspected stolen items. He could also not provide police with a reasonable excuse for breaching the current Ministerial directions and issued a PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 – Individual. The man was also charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, Possess housebreaking implements, and Custody of knife in public place. He was refused bail to appear at Dubbo Local Court on Tuesday 14 April 2020.

• Officers from Liverpool Police Area Command spoke with a 38-year-old man about 2.45pm yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). The man told police he was going to his mothers’ place to get cigarettes and claims he was unaware of the public health restrictions. Following inquiries, police determined the man had already been given a warning and a subsequent infringement two weeks prior. He was issued another PIN for failing to comply with a noticed direction.

• A 34-year-old man from Cronulla has been issued with a PIN by police from Blue Mountains Police Area Command for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after he was found at Hawkesbury Heights Lookout about 2.55am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). He allegedly told police he was unable to sleep and had driven to the lookout.

• A 17-year-old woman, an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old man, all from St Clair, an 18-year-old woman from Colyton and a 16-year-old boy from Ropes Crossing have been issued with PINs by officers attached to Blue Mountains for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after they were found at Hawkesbury Heights Lookout about shortly before 6am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). Police allege they said they wanted to see the sunrise.

• About 7.45am (Saturday 11 April 2020), a woman was stopped at Albion Street, Surry Hills, and was issued a fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. She could not give a reasonable excuse for being out of her home in Toongabbie and had been issued her first and final warnings the day before (Friday 10 April 2020) when she was spoken to by police in Glebe and Surry Hills while riding her bicycle.

• A 31-year-old man from Mt Pritchard has been issued with a PIN by Liverpool City PAC for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after he was found on Holt Street, Ashcroft, shortly before 8am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). Police seized drug paraphernalia during a search of the man. A 30-year-old man with him was issued with a warning.

• Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District attended the remote village of Sandon yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020), following reports holidaymakers had made their way to the area for Easter. Police spoke with a 53-year-old man and his 51-year-old wife, who said they had been in the area for more than two weeks. Following inquiries, officers established they had only arrived two days prior. The couple was issued with $1000 PINs and directed to return to the Lennox Head property. Another couple and their two children were also spoken to at another home and given warnings before being directed to return to their Petersham home.

• About 7.50am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers attached to St George Police Area Command attended a golf club in Wolli Creek after reports of a person acting aggressively. After failing to comply with the move on direction, the 46-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.

• Officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command issued a PIN to a 42-year-old Eastwood man after he was observed congregating with a group on Darlinghurst Road at Potts Point about 10.30am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). Officers spoke with the man and directed he move on as he was in breach of the public health orders. About an hour later the man was again spotted by police loitering on Springfield Avenue. Police again spoke to the man and issued him a PIN.

• A 32-year-old Lithgow man from has been issued with a PIN by Bankstown PAC for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after he was found at a hotel in Villawood, about 11.15am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). The man had received a warning the day before but continued to associate with a group of men at the location.

• Just before midday (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Tweed/Byron Police District responded to the concern for welfare of a woman slumped over a steering wheel of a vehicle parked on Johnson Street, Byron Bay. Police assisted the 45-year-old woman from the car, during which, they located ice and drug paraphernalia. During a subsequent search of her handbag, officers located cards under the names of various people, $1850 cash, drug ledgers and a knife. Inquiries revealed the Tabulum woman had also recently travelled to Queensland. She was taken to Byron Bay Police Station and charged with possess prohibited drug, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit. She was issued with a $1000 PIN before being granted conditional bail to appear at Byron Bay Local Court on Monday 15 June 2020.

• About 12.35pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers attached to New England Police District spoke with a 24-year-old man inside his vehicle on Brogan Street and Bailey Crescent at Armidale, who did not have a reasonable excuse to be away from his residence in North Tamworth. He was issued a PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.

• Bankstown Police Area Command officers have issued two men with PINs, and warned another two, after four men were seen sitting in a car eating pizza in Edgar Street, Condell Park, about 1.45pm yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). The men, aged 22 and 26, both from Milperra were issued with PINS for failing to comply with a Public Health Order. The older man was also issued with a PIN for offensive language.

• A 25-year-old Darlinghurst woman from has been issued with a PIN by officers attached to Brisbane Water PD for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after she was found on Copacabana Beach about 1.50pm yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). Police allege she said she was watching her boyfriend who was surfing.

• A man was issued a fine after failing to comply with social distancing laws in Broadmeadow yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). Officers attached to Newcastle Police District spoke with the 24-year-old on Brown Road who could not provide a lawful excuse for travel between Newcastle and Nelson Bay. He was issued a PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 – Individual.

• Officers attached to New England Police District gave a warning to a woman driving on the New England Highway, Tenterfield, about 2.40pm yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). She was advised by police to return home to Goonellebah, and not visit friends in Armidale. Around 3.25pm, the 47-year-old woman was stopped again issued a PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9- COVID-19.

• About 3pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers attached to New England Police District, spoke with a 34-year-old woman for breaching the Public Health Act. The woman was first spoken to by police at 1.30am on Wednesday 1 April 2020 on Adelaide Street, Moree, for a random breath test where she was issued an infringement for driving from Coonamble to Moree without a reasonable excuse. On Friday 10 April 2020, officers again observed her red Mazda 6 Sedan travelling on Jones Street, Moree. The woman could not provide a reasonable excuse for driving, resulting in officers attended a home on Birrawee Place in Moree to issue a second PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9- COVID-19

• Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command observed four people sitting at a park bench at Maroubra Junction about 3.30pm (Saturday 11 April 2020). Checks revealed each member of the group – three men aged 33, 45 and 55, and a 32-year-old woman – had previously been warned about Ministerial Directions. The group was advised they would each receive a $1000 PIN and moved on from the area.

• About 2.15pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), patrolling officers from Brisbane Water Police District gave a move on direction to a man and woman sitting on a bench at Avoca Beach. A short time later, police returned and noticed the pair still sitting in the same spot, giving a second direction to leave the area. The woman began to walk off, before the man verbally abused the officers. Checks revealed the 18-year-old man was from Willoughby and could not provide a reasonable excuse for travelling to Avoca Beach. He was issued with a $1000 PIN and instructed to return home.

• Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended a holiday apartment on Lawson Street, Byron Bay, about 2.30pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), after reports of parties being held at the location. Police spoke with a 33-year-old man, who told them he booked the room to self-isolate but had invited people over to visit. The other two people – a 34-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman – had travelled from Clunes for the gathering. All three were issued $1000 PINs, while inquiries are continuing into the accommodation provider.

• Just before 4pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from South Sydney Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 46-year-old man on Lee Street, Chippendale. After the man told police he was out to meet a mate, officers conducted checks, which revealed the man had previously been warned under the Public Health Act, he was issued a $1000 PIN and moved on.

• Officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District stopped a white Subaru Liberty vehicle on Bosun Lane, Port Macquarie, about 3.50pm (Saturday 11 April 2020) and spoke to the driver, a 26-year-old man, and two passengers, a 23-year-old man and 19-year-old woman who could not provide a reasonable excuse for being out of the house. The 26-year-old and 19-year-old had been given warnings the night prior (Friday 10 April 2020) for breaching COVID-19 restrictions. They were both issued a PIN for not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The 23-year-old passenger was issued a warning. Police also conducted a vehicle search where they located methylamphetamine allegedly inside a handbag in the boot of the car. The 19-year-old woman was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for possess prohibited drug to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday 8 July 2020. The 26-year-old man was also issued an infringement for not provide drivers licence and disobey one-way direction.

• About 4pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Mid North Coast Police District stopped a vehicle on Bosun Lane, Port Macquarie, and spoke with the 26-year-old male driver and 19-year-old female passenger. Checks revealed the pair had been stopped the day before and warned about Ministerial Directions after they said they were out “killing time”. During a search of the vehicle, police seized ice. The woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice for possess prohibited drug before the pair received $1000 PINs.

• Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District stopped a vehicle on Burringbar St, Mullumbimby, about 4pm, and spoke to the four occupants – a 16-year-old boy, two 17-year-old girls, and the 18-year-old male driver. The P-plate driver returned a positive roadside breath test and received a fine for special-range drink driving. During a search of the vehicle, police located cannabis and issued cannabis cautions to the man and one of the 17-year-old girls. The group were not able to provide a reasonable excuse for being out, and checks revealed three of the four had previously been given warnings for the same. They were issued $1000 PINs, while the 17-year-old girl was given a warning under the Public Health Act.

• Just after 5pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from South Coast Police District stopped a vehicle on Monaro Street, Merimbula, and spoke with the 22-year-old male driver. The man told police he had been helping a friend cut firewood – which was confirmed – except it had been delivered to Bega North. The man then provided several other versions, none of which were deemed as reasonable under the Public Health Act. He was issued with a $1000 PIN and directed to return to his Bega home.

• About 6pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Riverina Police District were patrolling at Junee, when they stopped a vehicle on Harold Street. On speaking with the occupants – two men, aged 23 and 37, and a 32-year-old woman – police could smell cannabis and commenced searches of the group and the vehicle. During the searches, police seized ice, cannabis, a total of $4455 cash, a diary containing a drug price list, and four knives. The woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice for custody of knife in public place, deal with property proceeds of crime, two counts of possess prohibited drug, and supply prohibited drug. She is due to appear at Junee Local Court on Friday 10 July 2020. The older man will be issued with a Court Attendance Notice for goods in custody and custody of knife in public place. All three were issued with $1000 PINs and moved-on.

• Just after 7pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), police attached to Operation Coronavirus were made aware of people staying at a hotel on Jamieson Street, Sydney, for the purpose of a party. Officers observed two men and a woman leaving the hotel, with one of the men and the woman returning a short time later. They were spoken to by police before the man was told not to invite people over and was allowed to return to his room, while the woman was given a move-on direction. Shortly after, the other man returned and was subject to a search with police locating ice in his sock. The 33-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN under the Public Health Act and a Court Attendance Notice for drug possession. He is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 13 May 2020.

• About 7.30pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District conducting proactive checks stopped at a house on Bent Street, South Grafton. A 30-year-old man was spoken to, who stated he was at the house visiting friends. He became verbally abusive when police notified him that he was in breach of Ministerial Directions and was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.

• Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to Liverpool Street, Sydney, about 9.10pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), after reports of an intoxicated man acting aggressively. Police spoke to an 18-year-old man, who stated he had been drinking with friends in Chatswood and travelled to Sydney to continue. He was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction (COVID-19).

• About 10pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from South Coast Police District stopped to assist a man who was standing on the roadway on the Princes Highway near Shore Street, Moruya. When asked if he was okay, the 40-year-old man began acting aggressively toward the officers and swearing at police before a wrestle ensued. The man was arrested a short time later and taken to Batemans Bay Police Station. He was issued with a $1000 PIN before being charged with resist officer in execution of duty and use offensive language in/near public place/school. He is due to appear at Batemans Bay Local Court on Friday 26 June 2020.

Since 17 March 2020, police have issued 53 Court Attendance Notices, and 406 PINs for breaches of the Public Health Act.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: . Information is treated in strict confidence.