NSW Police have been targeting criminal groups in a three-day high-visibility operation in Sydney's south-west after recent shootings.
Operation Talon began at 5pm on Friday (19 February 2021) and will end tonight at 11.59pm (Sunday 21 February 2021).
Police have been out in force to disrupt conflicts between different criminal groups after recent public place shootings and other acts of violence in the Fairfield City and Auburn police area commands.
Officers from those commands have been assisted during the operation by the Raptor Squad, Public Order and Riot Squad, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, Aviation Command, and Dog Unit.
Police have been speaking with individuals they allege are linked to the conflicts, as well as those known to them, about public safety and the Force's zero-tolerance approach to all lawbreaking.
During the operation so far, officers have enforced 44 Firearm Prohibition Orders and conducted 108 vehicle searches and 106 person searches.
Police issued 56 traffic infringements, eight vehicle defect notices and laid 17 charges with a range of offences, including;
About 2.40pm on Friday (19 February 2021), police were patrolling Fairfield Heights, when they were overtaken by a Hyundai I30 that continued at speed on Margaret Street. Officers stopped the vehicle and as they approached, the vehicle drove off and a pursuit was initiated through nearby streets. The vehicle was found abandoned on Cathcart Street after it crashed into the garden of a home and the driver was seen fleeing. Following inquiries, a 22-year-old man was arrested at Green Valley Police Station about 8pm. He was taken to Fairfield Police Station and charged with destroy or damage property, police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, two counts of overtake vehicle when unsafe, and two counts of enter enclosed land without lawful excuse. He appeared at Parramatta Bail Court yesterday (Saturday 20 February 2021), where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Monday 1 March 20201.
About 9.30pm on Friday (19 February 2021), police attended a home on Fourth Avenue, Canley Vale, and spoke to the occupant, a 28-year-old man. He was arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station where an outstanding warrant for traffic offences was executed. He appeared at Parramatta Bail Court yesterday (Saturday 20 February 2021), where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Monday 1 March 2021.
About 10pm on Friday (19 February 2021), police were conducting inquiries in Steven Street, Ermington, and spoke to a 27-year-old man. He was arrested and taken to Parramatta Police Station where he was charged with breach of bail. He appeared at Parramatta Bail Court yesterday (Saturday 20 February 2021), where he was granted conditional bail.
About 10.30pm on Friday (19 February 2021), police attended licensed premises on The Horsley Drive, Wetherill Park, and spoke to the manager after a number of licensing breaches were allegedly detected. Police returned to the premises last night (Saturday 20 February 2021) and issued fines of $8200. Three patrons were also issued infringements for illegally parking in designated disabled spots.
About 6.10pm yesterday (Saturday 20 February 2021), police stopped a Mercedes AMG on the Cumberland Highway, Smithfield, and spoke to the driver, a 54-year-old man. During a search of the vehicle, officers located cocaine and steroids. The man was arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station where he was charged with five counts of possess prohibited drug. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 21 February 2021).
About 7pm (Saturday 20 February 2021), police attended a home on Lockwood Street, Merrylands, and conducted five Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) searches. As a result, a vehicle was defected, and a parking infringement issued.
About 10.20pm, police stopped a Toyota Corolla on the Rawson Road, Guildford, and spoke to the driver, a 20-year-old man. He refused to get out of the vehicle when requested and allegedly grabbed an officer when they attempted to remove the vehicle's keys. After further refusals, the man was removed from the vehicle and searched. During the struggle, an officer sustained a minor hand injury. The man was arrested and taken to Merrylands Police Station where he was charged with resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, and not comply with direction given by police officer. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Tuesday 16 March 2021.
