Police have arrested more than 150 people and issued almost 600 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) following unauthorised protest activity across NSW on Tuesday, August 31.
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Acting on information and intelligence, the NSW Police Force deployed more than 900 officers this morning to conduct high-visibility patrols today of various sites expected to be targeted by unauthorised protests, including NSW Parliament House and local council chambers.
It included several police officers and vehicles on Zingel Place in Bega.
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.
Police responded to 79 unauthorised protests, during which three officers received minor injuries following interactions with protestors at Lismore, Murwillumbah and Raymond Terrace.
In total, 153 people were arrested, many of whom were released after officers were able to establish their identity to issue a PIN.
Others were charged with a variety of offences including various breaches of the public health order, assault police, resist arrest, refusing to comply with police direction, and failing to move on.
A total of 573 PINS were issued, including not wear fitted masked covering in prescribed outdoor gathering ($500), not comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 - COVID-19 ($1000), and unlawfully participate in outdoor public gathering - stay at home order ($3000).
The penalties include five PINs issued in Bega, while one arrest was made and 10 PINs issued at Moruya.
In Cooma, six people dispersed upon police arrival.
Inquiries into the incidents are continuing and further PINs are expected to be issued, including for failing to comply with self-isolation direction ($5000).
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. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
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