Four South Australian men have been issued Penalty Infringement Notices after making three attempts to cross the border without valid permits.
Just before 5am yesterday (Thursday 8 October 2020), officers attached to Operation Border Closure stopped a white Holden Commodore at the Tooleybuc checkpoint.
Police spoke with the four male occupants – aged 17, 18, 19 and 21 – who said they were travelling from South Australia to Sydney for a holiday; however, they had travelled through Victoria without a permit.
They were refused entry to NSW and returned to Victoria.
About 2pm, the same vehicle was stopped at the same checkpoint, and the occupants stated the GPS had taken them through Victoria without warning.
The group were advised that without a permit they would not be allowed to enter NSW and were directed to return to Victoria.
Subsequent checks revealed the group had made the earlier attempt to cross the border and a warning was circulated amongst the checkpoints.
Just after 3.30pm, the vehicle was stopped by police at the Euston checkpoint and the occupants told police they were travelling into NSW to visit a dying relative but did not have valid permits.
After suspecting the occupants may have been that as mentioned in the warning from the Tooleybuc, officers conducted checks, which revealed it to be one and the same.
The men were each issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction with COVID-19 before they were directed to return to Victoria.
Police are aware of recent changes allowing NSW residents to transit into South Australia via Victoria with relevant documentation.
At this point in time, there have been no changes for anyone wishing to enter NSW from Victoria.
To enter NSW from Victoria, regardless of the state you are from, you must hold a valid permit. For more information about exemptions or to apply for a permit, please visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-nsw-border-entry-permit
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 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.
