Almost two dozen people have been nabbed by police after breaching COVID-19 Public Health Orders in the Eurobodalla.
The breaches were detected after the alleged perpetrators were swept up in a traffic operation, targeting criminal activity and dangerous driver behaviour on the state’s South Coast.
Between Wednesday 25 August and Saturday 28 August 2021, officers attached to South Coast Police District – including Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, the Dog Unit, Proactive Crime Team and Crime Prevention Unit – conducted a high-visibility operation in the Batemans Bay and Moruya areas.
During Operation Proelium, eight people were charged, and nine were issued with traffic infringement notices, including having unrestrained children in vehicles.
One motorist was allegedly found drink-driving, while seven tested positive to illicit substances; the results will undergo further examination.
Four people were given move-on directions and 11 vehicles were searched. Police also conducted bail compliance checks and AVO compliance checks.
Further, 23 people were issued Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for breaching the Public Health Order, by not wearing masks, not checking into premises, and non-essential travel.
Police are warning residents to expect similar operations to be carried out in the future.