Police report they received thousands of reports from members of the public in the first 24 hours of Strike Force Seasoned which was set up in response to the unauthorised protest activity in Sydney’s CBD last weekend (24 July).
NSW Police said a Strike Force would continue to identify and prosecute protest participants and that, in its first day of operations, the Strike Force had received more than 5,500 reports from the public and identified over 200 people.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott said he shared the community’s outrage at the actions of those present at Saturday’s protest.
“These individuals are on notice, as they have also risked the safety of our frontline officers,” Mr Elliott said.
He said it would only take the attendance of one person with COVID-19 to turn the protest into a super-spreader event, “so decent-minded Australians have every right to feel infuriated at such selfish behaviour”.
Deputy Commissioner for Metropolitan Field Operations, Mal Lanyon said officers would work for as long as required to identify and prosecute all those who broke the law.
Deputy Commissioner Lanyon thanked the more than 350 police officers who were part of Saturday’s response.
“They did not go to work to be assaulted or have projectiles thrown at them – the actions of the individuals involved in those offences was a disgrace,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.
“I also want to thank the majority of the community who continue to work with police and abide by the public health orders,” he said.
“They are in place for a reason and police will continue to enforce them – our officers will not tolerate those who think the law does not apply to them.”
Deputy Commissioner Lanyon urged anyone with information or vision of the weekend’s protest activity to contact Crime Stoppers through the online portal or by contacting 1800 333 000.
“Every single report will be investigated,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.
“Information is treated in strict confidence,” he said.
The Crime Stoppers online portal can be accessed at this PS News link.
