Three Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) were issued in relation to breaches of Public Health Orders at the NSW/Victoria border yesterday.
About 4.30pm (Wednesday 2 September 2020), police stopped a 50-year-old man at a border checkpoint on Jingellic Road, Jingellic, who was unable to produce a permit. The man provided a number of versions as to where his permit was and why he was crossing the border before it was established that he had provided false information in an attempt to cross unlawfully. He was subsequently issued a $4000 PIN under section 10 of the Public Health Act for give false information on request.
Police initiated a pursuit about 8.15pm after a white van approached a border checkpoint on Federation Way, Corowa, at speed and failed to stop. Officers stopped the vehicle on Honour Avenue and spoke with the 49-year-old male driver, who advised he did not have a permit to enter NSW. He was unable to provide a valid excuse to cross the border nor for leaving his home at Flemington, Victoria. Police directed the man to return to Victoria and issued him with a $1000 PIN.
About 8.30pm yesterday, police stopped a 28-year-old woman at a border checkpoint on Wodonga Place, South Albury, who presented a NSW driver's licence, which expired in 2015, along with an expired border permit. The woman applied for a new permit online and when she presented it to police, it was established she had provided false information in her application. Following further inquiries, police issued a $4000 PIN under section 10 of the Public Health Act for give false information on request and a $581 traffic infringement notice for driving with an expired licence.
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.
