Police have arrested more than 150 people and issued almost 600 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) following unauthorised protest activity across NSW on Tuesday.
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Police broke up almost 80 small anti-lockdown protests across NSW, including a number at South Coast regional centres.
Acting on information and intelligence, the NSW Police Force deployed more than 900 officers Tuesday morning (August 31) to conduct high-visibility patrols of various sites expected to be targeted by unauthorised protests, including NSW Parliament House and local council chambers.
It included the Shoalhaven City Council Administration building in Bridge Road Nowra, where around 40 people dispersed on police arrival.
The group was also seen along the Princes Highway at Nowra near Marriott Park.
In Ulladulla, two people were arrested and two PINs issued.
There was one arrest made and 10 PINs issued at Moruya and a further five PINs were issued in Bega.
To the north at Wollongong Council two people were arrested and two PINs issued, while at Shellharbour Council there was one arrest and three PINs issued.
On the Southern Highlands, at Moss Vale Council two people were arrested and six PINs issued, while at Goulburn Council there was one arrested and five PINs issued.
Inquiries into the incidents are continuing and further PINs are expected to be issued, including for failing to comply with self-isolation directions (a fine of $5000).
General Duties officers were supported by the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, the Dog and Mounted Unit, and other specialist units in the operation.
Three officers received minor injuries following interactions with protestors at Lismore, Murwillumbah and Raymond Terrace.
In total, 153 people were arrested, many of whom were released after officers were able to establish their identity to issue a PIN.
Others were charged with a variety of offences including various breaches of the public health order, assaulting police, resisting arrest, refusing to comply with police direction, and failing to move on.
A total of 573 PINS were issued, including not wear fitted masked covering in prescribed outdoor gathering ($500), not complying with noticed direction re s7/8/9 - COVID-19 ($1000), and unlawfully participate in outdoor public gathering - stay at home order ($3000).
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any public health order or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www./nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.