Disobey any of the NSW road rules between today and 28 April 2024 and you'll have a greater chance that police will pull you over & hand you double demerit points for breaking the law

The first instinct on reading the following newspaper article might be to note the double demerit points and skip over the warning it contains.

As an incentive to consider being extra careful over the remainder of this week I draw your attention, not just to the 111 people killed on NSW roads up to 22 April in 2024, but also to the fact that it wasn't just those 58 drivers who were killed.

There were 18 passengers, 15 pedestrians, one lone person on a bicycle and 19 motorcyclists.

One of those dead was a very small child under 5 year of age, 10 were aged between 6 and 20 years of age, 64 were aged between 21 & 59 years and 36 were older people aged 65 years & over.

The majority of these deaths (73) occurring on rural and regional roads, with the latest fatal crashes on 20 April 2024 at Marulan in the Southern Highlands and on the Mitchell Highway near Dubbo.

So be careful out there - it is more than your own life you are risking if you behave foolishly.

The Western Weekender, 23 April 2024

Police are planning a huge presence on the roads for the ANZAC Day public holiday and the upcoming weekend.

Operation ANZAC Day 2024 will launch at 12.01am on Wednesday, April 24 2024, with double demerit points in place until 11.59pm on Sunday, April 28 2024, coinciding with the end of the school holidays.

The reminder comes after 111 people lost their lives so far this year, compared to 100 in the same period last year.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said police will be highly visible across the state this ANZAC Day weekend.

“Every driver has a responsibility to themselves, their passengers and other road users. Drive responsibly and drive to the conditions to ensure everyone arrives safely at their destination,” she said.

“ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on and commemorate our veterans. I want to thank the NSW Police Force for working around the clock to help keep the community safe this long weekend.”

The high-visibility policing operation will involve general duties officers, assisted by specialist police, including the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Mounted Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Police Transport Command.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, said the appeal to road users is to do the right thing before they head out, rather than have regrets when it’s too late.

Police will be targeting high-risk behaviours such as excessive speed, alcohol and drug driving offences, illegal use of mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts.

“The goal is preventing injury and death. Tragically this year, 111 people have died on NSW roads – a concerning increase of 11 deaths compared to this time last year,” he said.

“Speeding is a major contributor to fatal road crashes, and police will take action against road users who think they can speed and put themselves and others at risk.

“A decision to speed could result in a fatality in a split-second. Think about your choices and how they impact you and others around you. Share the road and make sure you arrive to your destination safely.

“We remain committed to ensuring public safety over the ANZAC Day weekend, and we’re asking all motorists to do their part as well – especially as we expect more cars on our roads with school holidays coming to an end.”

Transport for NSW Director of Road Safety Policy, Louise Higgins- Whitton said it was important that all road users obey the rules so everyone makes it home safe.

“Double demerits will be in place for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences, we want everyone to follow the rules and do the right thing,” Higgins-Whitton said.

“Whether it’s a short trip to the local shops or you’re heading home as school holidays end, please make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep yourself and others safe.

“Simple things everyone can do include wearing a seatbelt, putting the mobile phone away, sticking to the speed limit, ensuring you’re well rested before you set out on your journey and never driving if affected by drugs or alcohol.”

Last stage of stolen vehicle pursuit by NSW Police had officer paddling a commandeered surfboard along the Tweed River at Tyalgah to arrest the driver on Saturday night, 6 April 2024

 

NSW Police News, 7 April 2024:

Woman to face Court after pursuit - Tweed/Byron

Sunday, 07 April 2024 04:47:43 PM

A woman will appear in Court after being charged with numerous offences following a police pursuit in the Tweed area last night.

On Wednesday 03 April 2024, a break, enter and steal offence occurred at Chinderah, where a Volkswagen Amarok was allegedly stolen. A short time later, police received a report the same vehicle was used to allegedly steal fuel from a petrol station at Mullumbimby.

On Thursday 4 April 2024, police attempted to stop the driver of the stolen Amarok at Brunswick Heads. When the driver failed to stop, police initiated a pursuit, which was later terminated due to safety concerns.

On Saturday 6 April 2024, two further police pursuits were initiated in the Tweed Heads sector.

In the second pursuit, around 10pm, police pursued the Amarok from Tweed Heads to Murwillumbah, where on Tumbulgum Road, the driver of the Amarok collided with a Hyundai Imax being driven in the opposite direction.

The driver of the Hyundai Imax, a 45-year-old woman, was trapped by confinement and treated at the scene by Ambulance Paramedics, before being taken to the Gold Coast University hospital for treatment for a fractured elbow and abrasions.

The driver of the Amarok allegedly fled the scene, entering the Tweed River at Tyalgah. Police established a perimeter, and a Sergeant commandeered a surfboard and paddled some 500 metres along the river and arrested a 24-year-old woman.

The woman was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with two outstanding warrant and seven offences;

• Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence – people there at Chinderah on 3 April 2024

• Steal motor vehicle at Chinderah on 3 April 2024

• Dishonestly obtain property by deception at Mullumbimby on 4 April 2024

• Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously at Brunswick Heads on 4 April 2024

• Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously at Chinderah on 6 April 2024

• Hinder or resist police officer in execution of duty at Murwillumbah on 6 April 2024

• Drive whilst cancelled at Murwillumbah on 4 April 2024

She was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today (Sunday 7 April 2024), where bail was formally refused, to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday 8 April 2024.

$52.7 million about to go up in smoke in Ellangowan

Google Images, 23.11.23

Now that's a lot of weed.....

NSW Police News reported that seven people faced court on Wednesday 22 November 2023, after police seized more than $52 million worth of cannabis south-west of Lismore on Tuesday 21 November.

"Following extensive inquiries by the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad and Richmond Police Detectives, assisted by the Aviation Command, Dog Unit and Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad, police attended an Ellangowan property, about 11.30am yesterday (Tuesday 21 November 2023).

Police will allege in court that the property was being used for the large-scale cultivation of cannabis.

At the property, police allegedly located and seized more than 15,000 cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of $52.7 million.

Six men aged between 41 and 61, and a 52-year-old woman, were arrested during the operation before being taken to Lismore Police Station.

All seven were charged with participate in criminal group contribute activity, and knowingly take part-cultivate large commercial quantity-cannabis.

They were refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court...."

NSW Police are to be congratulated for this display of transparency, however it does make for hard reading

The last 31 days have not exactly been a public relations success for NSW Police.

It is to be congratulated for this display of transparency, however it does make for hard reading.

Please note that the following information is taken from NSW Police News entries for 4 September to 4 October 2022. This information does not imply that charges have been proven.

4 October 2022: Constable – Central Metropolitan Region – for the offence of fabricate false evidence with intent to mislead judicial tribunal. Court date set. Employment status is under review.

2 October 2022: – South West Metropolitan Region – charged with two counts of have sexual intercourse with child >=14 & <16 years and holder of public office misconduct. Stood down from duties while employment status is under review.

27 September 2022: Constable – North-West Metropolitan Region – charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Court date set. Employment status is currently under review.

20 September 2022: Former senior constable - Northern Region – charged with eight offences while a serving officer including common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, tamper with evidence with intent to mislead judicial tribunal, destroy or damage property, and do act intend to pervert the course of justice. No longer with the NSW Police Force

20 September 2022: Detective senior constable – attached to a specialist command – charged with domestic-related assault offences. Court date set. On restricted duties.

20 September 2022: Senior constable – attached to a Northern Region command – charged with perverting the course of justice. Court date set. Duty status is under review.

14 September 2022: Constable – Western Region – charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault. Court date set.

12 September 2022: Senior constable – attached to a specialist command – additional charges were laid including two counts of supply prohibited drug and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime. Suspended without pay.

11 September 2022: Constable – Southern Region – charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) and stalk/ intimidate intending to cause fear of physical or mental harm (DV). Employment status is under review.

8 September 2022: Constable – Western Region – issued with an infringement for low-level drink driving.

8 September 2022: Constable – South West Region – charged after allegedly driving while her licence was suspended.

4 September 2022: Senior constable – South West Region – charged with three counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm, two counts of contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO, two counts of use postal/similar service to menace/harass/be offensive and Attempt to breach prohibition/restriction in Domestic AVO. Employment status is under review.

42 year old Perth resident Tobias Moran (formerly Tobias Suckfuell) arrested in relation to the 2005 murder of Simone Strobel in Lismore, NSW

Simone Strobel
Image: ABC News, 12 February 2014

NSW Police, News, 26 July 2022:

Man arrested following extensive investigations into 2005 homicide of German backpacker Simone Strobel

Tuesday, 26 July 2022 03:53:32 PM

A man has been arrested in Western Australia following an extensive investigation into the homicide of German backpacker Simone Strobel, on the Far North Coast more than 15 years ago.

Simone, aged 25, was last seen at the Lismore Tourist Caravan Park on Friday 11 February 2005, after a night out with her then-boyfriend and friends.

Her body was found six days later (Thursday 17 February 2005), concealed under palm fronds at a sportsground less than 100m from the caravan park.

At a coronial inquest in 2007, then-State Coroner, Paul McMahon, ruled there was insufficient evidence to lay charges over Simone's death.

Detectives from Richmond Police District established Strike Force Howea in February 2005 to investigate Simone’s murder – with assistance from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, and their counterparts at the Wuerzburg Criminal Police and the Prosecutor´s Office in Wuerzburg.

In October 2020, the NSW Government announced a $1 million reward for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Simone’s homicide. The Bavarian Office of Criminal Investigation had also announced a 10,000 Euro reward for residents of both Germany and Australia back in 2014.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives travelled to Western Australia, where – with assistance from Western Australian Police Force – a 42-year-old man was arrested at a home today (Tuesday 26 July 2022).

NSW detectives will apply for an extradition warrant.

Further information will be provided when available.

Strike Force Howea investigators are continuing to work with their international counterparts, with investigations continuing.

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Howea detectives 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.

A regional NSW weekend of #COVIDIOTS in the pub & in the bush

 

NSW Police, News, 16 & 17 October 2021:

Statement from Commissioner Mick Fuller regarding Singleton business closure

Saturday, 16 October 2021 05:14:23 PM

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have served a licensed premises on George Street, Singleton, with an order to close today (Saturday 16 October 2021), due to alleged repeated breaches of the public health orders.

The closure order follows a number of previous interactions with the licensee – a 57-year-old man – due to repeated and continued breaches of the Public Health Order by allegedly allowing – and not taking steps to prevent – unvaccinated people being at the premises. [my yellow highlighting]

Police have attended the venue numerous times in the past week and issued the licensee three PINs and staff members three PINs for breaching the public health orders.

The venue will remain closed until midnight on Tuesday (19 October 2021).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Charges laid after unauthorised events - Tweed/Byron

Sunday, 17 October 2021 04:43:51 PM

Eleven people have been charged following unauthorised gatherings held at national parks on the state’s north coast overnight. [my yellow highlighting]

Just after 9.15pm (Saturday 16 October 2021), police were alerted to an unauthorised gathering being held within bushland at Tyagarah Nature Reserve.

Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended, and the crowd dispersed into bushland.

About 1am (Sunday 17 October 2021), police were alerted to a separate event at Billinudgel Nature Reserve and shut down the event, dispersing the crowd.

The organiser, a 25-year-old man, was spoken to with sound and lighting equipment and prohibited drugs seized from the site.

The Byron Bay man was issued a cannabis caution after being found in possession of cannabis as well as a $1,000 PIN for breaching the Public Health Order and an infringement for the consumption of alcohol in a National Park.

Police established a stationary breath testing site at the intersection of Jones and Wooyung Roods.

During the operation 10 drivers were charged, five with low-range PCA and five with Mid-Range PCA. They will all face court at a later date. An additional four drivers were issued infringements for traffic offences.

Of note, a Toyota Hiace was stopped by officers on Wooyong Road, after failing to stop at the site. [my yellow highlighting]

The driver fled into nearby bushland and following a foot pursuit, the 21-year-old man, was found injured, with a suspected fractured ankle.

He was treated by paramedics and taken to Tweed Hospital, under police guard, for treatment.

The man was later transferred to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period. An outstanding warrant was also executed.

He is due to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday 6 December 2021.

Inquiries continue to identify attendees and further breaches.

Tweed/Byron Police District Commander, Superintendent David Roptell said unauthorised gatherings of this type will not be tolerated and we appeal to the community to report suspected breaches which may impact on the health and safety of the community.

Not only are events like these illegal, but they also pose a serious safety risk to attendees and responding police due to the location and terrain, Supt Roptell said.

“The local community and environment are also being impacted by the noise and the rubbish left behind.

“Police will work closely with National Parks and Wildlife Services to target these events and prosecute offenders accordingly,” Supt Roptell said.

Anyone with information about 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.

Ballina man charged with 40 counts of sexually and indecently assaulting boys in Lismore area between 1960 and 1991

NSW Police, News, 30 September 2021:

A man will appear in court today charged over the alleged historical sexual abuse and indecent assault of seven children in the state’s north.

Last year, detectives from Richmond Police District established Strike Force Erldunda to investigate reports a man had been sexually and indecently assaulted as a child by a man who was known to him.

During the investigation, police identified a further six men who were allegedly sexually and indecently assaulted by the same man.

Following extensive inquiries, an 82-year-old man was arrested at a home in Ballina about 1.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 29 September 2021).

He was taken to Ballina Police Station and charged with 40 offences including 31 counts of indecent assault on male, four counts of indecent assault where victim under the age of 10 years and five counts of sexual intercourse with person under the age of 10 years.

Police will allege in court that the man sexually and indecently assaulted the boys – then aged between five and 12 – on several occasions between 1960 and 1991 in the Lismore area, while performing duties as a scout volunteer and a boys’ brigade volunteer.

The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Lismore Local Court today (Thursday 30 September 2021).

Investigations under Strike Force Erldunda are ongoing.

#COVIDIOTS gathering a bit of a fizzer on NSW North Coast last weekend

 EchoNetDaily, 18 September 2021:

Police arrested 11 protesters in Byron Bay. Photo Jeff Dawson.

Police say they have prevented the mass gathering of people in various locations across NSW, arresting 32 people and issuing 265 Penalty Infringement Notices in a coordinated and mobile response to planned protest activity.

Earlier today (Saturday 18 September), a high-visibility policing operation was launched across Sydney and parts of regional NSW, to prevent, disrupt and respond to any mass gathering or protest activity.

Police say that more than 1,700 police were involved in the operation across the state – including general duties officers from the Central Metropolitan Region, assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Police Transport Command, PolAir, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Dog and Mounted Unit.

Of the 1,700 police, approximately 1,500 resources were deployed across the Sydney area.

A further were 200 on the ground at regional locations including Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Central Coast, Wollongong and on the South Coast.

During the state-wide operation, 20 people were arrested in Greater Sydney and 236 PINs were issued, 11 people were arrested and 28 PINs were issued in Byron Bay, and one person was arrested and subsequently issued with a PIN in Tweed Heads. 

NSW Police, News, 18 September 2021: 

Assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell, Operation Commander was pleased to see the police strategy successful in disrupting protest activity. 

“We take the health and safety of the community extremely seriously and we are glad our policing response, supported by road and transport strategies, effectively reduced the movement crowds and potential for disruptive protest activity,” said Assistant Commissioner Thurtell.....

“Most importantly, I want to thank the community who did the right thing and stayed home today. Also, I acknowledge the 1700 police officers who were deployed across the state for their professional response during today’s activities,” added Assistant Commissioner Thurtell. 

Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any public health order or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community by contacting Crime Stoppers: on 1800 333 000 or via https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

Pigeons coming home to roost for protesting Covidiots at NSW-Qld border

 

 

Michael Corrigan, 52 year-old film stuntman from Murwillumbah NSW was reportedly arrested after participating in two separate anti-lockdown protests on the NSW-Qld border.

Echo NetDaily, 2 September 2021:

Police have arrested another man following an investigation into unauthorised protest activity across NSW earlier this week. 

Acting on information and intelligence, the NSW Police Force deployed more than 900 officers on Tuesday 31 August 2021, to conduct high-visibility patrols of various sites expected to be targeted by unauthorised protests, including NSW Parliament House and local council chambers. 

General Duties officers from across NSW were supported by the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, the Dog and Mounted Unit, and other specialist units. 

Following investigations, a 52-year-old man attended Murwillumbah Police Station about 4.30pm yesterday (Wednesday, 1 September, 2021), where he was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station. 

The man was charged with unlawfully participate in outdoor gathering/stay at home area. He was given conditional bail to appear at Murwillumbah Local Court on 22 September 2021.....

NSW Police, News, 2 September 2021, excerpts:

During the operation, protestors crossed the border between Queensland at Coolangatta and NSW at Tweed Heads.

As part of ongoing investigations, police have today released images of five people who may be able to assist with inquiries.

The first man depicted is described as wearing a black t-shirt and cream cargo pants, with a GoPro strapped to his chest.

A second man depicted is described as wearing a faded grey t-shirt, orange pants and a blue and yellow face mask, holding a mobile phone.

A third man depicted is described as wearing a white t-shirt and a black cap.

A female depicted is described as wearing a black blouse and carrying a black handbag.

A fourth man depicted is described as wearing a black singlet and a black floppy hat, with a sleeve tattoo on his left arm.

Anyone with information about the identity of the five people – or has mobile phone footage of the protest activity – is urged to contact Crime Stoppers through the online portal or by contacting 1800 333 000.

Images released by NSW Police and published by ABC News, 2 Sept 2021

The last day of August 2021 - with over 22,000 confirmed cases in the NSW Delta Variant Outbreak to date & 100 dead - the anti-public health order folk gathered in potentially infectious groups the length & breadth of the state

ABC North Coast, 31 August 2021:

Police have responded to 79 protests across New South Wales today, more than a third of which were held in the state's north as part of coordinated demonstrations against lockdown measures.

"We really need to end lockdown, so anything that is putting that at risk is really not welcome," he said.

Demonstrations were held in Ballina, Grafton, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Nowra, Wagga Wagga, Orange, Mudgee and Sydney.

A police spokesperson said information was being collated, but so far more than 150 people had been arrested and more than 570 penalty infringement notices issued for health order breaches.

Hundreds of people have defied public health orders to attend a protest outside the Byron Shire Council Chambers. (ABC North Coast: Leah White)

Read the full article here.

NSW Police responded to 79 unauthorised protests across all 6 NSW Police Districts (PD).

 North East NSW was not immune to the anti-vax, anti public health order, pro-'freedoms' crowd and this was the result:

Tweed Heads PD (Tweed Shire Council-Murwillumbah, Byron Bay Shire Council-Mullumbimby, MP Office-Tweed Heads, Sleepy Hollow Vehicle Rest Area): 3 arrested and 25 PINs issued

Richmond PD (Lismore Council, Kyogle Council, Ballina Council, MP Office-Ballina): 11 arrested and 24 PINs issued

Coffs-Clarence PD (Coffs Harbour City Council, Clarence Valley Council-Grafton, Bellingen Shire Council, Clarence Valley Council-MacLean): 19 arrested and 19 PINs issued. [my yellow highlighting]

NSW Police inquiries into incidents at the 79 unauthorised protests are continuing and further PINs are expected to be issued, including for failing to comply with self-isolation direction ($5000).