Police advise not to breach restrictions

Local police are warning community members not to push the boundaries of current Stay at Home restrictions.

Police are concerned community members are becoming complacent and tempted to breach the current restrictions in place.

Baw Baw police services area inspector Alison Crombie said police would continue to patrol public and private areas as well as businesses to ensure people are complying with restrictions.

Insp Crombie reminded community members the restrictions are still in place and fines would be issued for breaches.

She said she was concerned people were being tempted to breach the restrictions in place so they could catch up with family or friends.

While acknowledging Mother’s Day this Sunday will be difficult for families, she said it was important community members obeyed the State Government’s stay at home direction.

As part of the statewide Operation Sentinel police are conducting random checks in public areas, businesses, people driving and individuals to ensure they are complying with the level three restrictions.

On the spot fines of $1652 for individuals and $9913 for businesses are being issued if people do not meet regulations.

Police issued 90 fines over the weekend across the state.

Multiple fines were issued to people who had gathered at private residences against the rules.

Fines issued by police included:

Five people who were found drinking and partying after police responded to a noise complaint.

Multiple people for gathering at a private address, including one who attempted to run from police by jumping the property’s back fence.

Five people intercepted in a car who admitted they were returning from a friend’s place. 10 people gathered at a private residence. Four males socialising in a vehicle Multiple people committing criminal offences including drug offending.