Month: December 2018

Police are pleased with the significant difference in the number of fatalities during Operation Safe Arrival, with 14 less deaths on NSW roads compared to 2017.
Operation Safe Arrival, the State’s Christmas/New Year road safety operation, started at 12.01am on Friday 21 December 2018, and will continue until 11.59pm on Tuesday 1 January 2019.
Double demerits are in place over the entire operation for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle-helmet offences.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, said it’s important to reflect on the positives of this year’s operation.
“Although it’s disappointing to see a hit and run incident showing complete lack of care for other people’s wellbeing, I’m satisfied this operation is reflecting the strong approach we have taken with more police saturating the roads,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“As we near the end of the operation, I’m pleased there have been 14 less people killed on NSW roads during the operation so far.
“I encourage all road users to take extra care in the leadup to the new year, so they arrive safely to enjoy celebrations with family and friends,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
Of note during day nine of Operation Safe Arrival:

• About 11pm (Saturday 29 December 2018), emergency services were called to Tudor Street, Campsie, after reports of a man injured following a hit and run crash. The 19-year-old man was crossing the street, when a grey Mazda 2 Hatchback turned onto Tudor Street from Canterbury Road travelling north, before striking the man. The car stopped briefly, before driving away in the same direction. The man was treated at the scene by paramedics, before being taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a stable condition with arm and leg injuries. Officers from Campsie Police Area Command urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Key statistics (Cumulative total – started on 21 December 2018):
Total infringements issued (not speeding): 15,536
Speed infringements: 9,202
Breath tests: 413,463
Drink-driving charges: 495
Lives lost: 6

NSW Police will be deployed as part of a highly-visible and mobile police operation to ensure the safety and security of the community ahead of Sydney’s 2018 New Year’s Eve celebration.
Operation New Year’s Eve 2018 will commence on Monday (31 December 2018), as significant crowds begin to converge on the Sydney Harbour foreshore and at events across the state for New Year’s festivities.
General duties officers from Police Area Commands across the state will be assisted by specialist units including Public Order & Riot Squad, Police Transport Command, Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Licensing Police, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Marine Area Command and PolAir, throughout the operation.
Metropolitan Field Operations and Operation New Year’s Eve 2018 Commander, Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Walton APM, said police will be focusing on public safety, alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.
“We are prepared for significant crowds who are expected to make their way into the city and harbour foreshore areas this New Year’s Eve,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“Police will be out in force across the event footprint to ensure the movement of crowds to vantage points are managed safely.
“We want everyone to have a memorable night for the right reasons, so celebrate responsibly, drink in moderation and look after one another – you don’t want to start 2019 with a criminal record,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
NSW Police have been working closely with City of Sydney, NSW Government agencies, landowners and other stakeholders in the lead up to the event, to ensure the festivities are safe and family-friendly.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said officers will be patrolling the crowds, out on the water, travelling on the trains and in the sky to ensure everyone rings in the New Year safely.
“We have some of the best police in the world and they’ll be out on the beat doing what they do best to make sure everyone enjoys the festivities in a safe and secure environment,” Mr Grant said.
“But police can’t be everywhere at once, and with big crowds expected in the CBD and surrounds, it’s really important that everyone plays their part in behaving responsibly and looking out for your mates.”
Extensive assessments have been conducted throughout the year and detailed plans will be implemented to ensure traffic, transport, crowd behaviour and security are expertly managed.
“Police want New Year’s Eve to be safe and fun for everyone, and one of the best ways to achieve this is to plan your night in advance,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“Key sites will have security checks upon entry and are closely monitored by police and event security to gauge when they are reaching capacity, and people will be directed away from the area to prevent overcrowding.
“The public should be reassured that police have a significant, robust and flexible operation in place to ensure the safety of revellers throughout the night,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
Detailed vantage point information, alcohol-free zones and important hints and tips for the evening are available on the Sydney New Year’s Eve website: www.sydneynewyearseve.com.
The website also features important traffic and transport information to assist revellers in planning their trip to and from the city.
“There will be a number of major road closures and significant changes to traffic conditions in and around the CBD, so public transport is certainly your best bet,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“For those who insist on driving, please be patient, be aware of your surroundings as there will be a large number of pedestrians and never drink or drug drive,” he added.
Detailed public transport information is available on the Sydney New Year’s Eve website. Special event traffic information can also be found at: www.livetraffic.com.
With significant maritime traffic expected on Sydney Harbour, police and maritime authorities will be out in force to ensure operators of recreational and commercial vessels are complying with maritime laws.
“For those that choose to enjoy the celebrations from the water, stay alert and be always be aware of your surroundings and other boaters in the area,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“Before heading out on the water, check the vessel is in good working order, ensure all the required safety equipment is on board – most importantly, lifejackets.
“And remember, the alcohol limit is 0.05 – just like on land – and with officers conducting random breath tests on the water, it’s safer not to drink at all,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
Visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to Maritime for details on exclusion zones and movement restriction times.

As New South Wales prepares for a wave of hot weather over the next week, police are urging residents and visitors to keep informed on the conditions and look after their health.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting temperatures in the 30s and increasing across the state from today (Thursday 27 December 2018) and peaking in the low-to-mid 40s on New Year’s Eve (Monday 31 December 2018). Visit www.bom.gov.au for updated weather forecasts and warnings.
With these conditions expected, police and emergency services are urging everyone in NSW to remember the four key messages to keep healthy in the heat:
1. Drink plenty of water (limit hot, sugary, or alcoholic beverages)
2. Keep cool (stay in the air conditioning, if possible)
3. Take care of others (visit or contact those at risk of heat-related illness)
4. Have a plan (know who to contact if you need assistance and seek medical advice if you feel unwell).
For more information on staying healthy in the heat, please visit NSW Health’s ‘Beat the Heat’ website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat.
Importantly, motorists are reminded it is never okay to leave children, the elderly, or pets unattended in a car – even with the air conditioning running. Not only is this dangerous, it can be deadly.
Livestock and pet owners are also being urged to ensure adequate clean water is always available and that shading is provided, where possible. Additionally, no animal should be left in confined, unventilated areas.
The RSPCA has a multitude of advice available online for reducing heat stress for animals: https://www.rspcansw.org.au/what-we-do/care-for-animals/pet-hazards/heat-stress.
While it is advised to avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, large crowds are still expected at NSW beaches, rivers, lakes, and swimming pools.
Anyone swimming in unfamiliar waterways is urged to take extra care. Every year thousands of people require rescuing from the surf and many needlessly drown.
Surf Life Saving NSW urge people to swim at patrolled beaches and always between the flags. If in doubt about the conditions, ask a lifesaver/lifeguard for advice or just stay out of the water.
To help plan a day at the beach, Surf Life Saving Australia has an easy to use website: www.beachsafe.org.au and a free smart-phone app ‘beachsafe’ with the latest information about every Australian beach.
Police are also urging rock anglers to wear a life jacket and adhere to the safety advice available at: www.safefishing.com.au when venturing out onto the rocks.
Skippers are reminded they are responsible for the safety of all on board their vessel, and they should expect police or NSW Maritime to conduct safety compliance checks, as well as random breath tests.
Police will also focus on jet ski riders to ensure they’re enjoying the sport safely. Dangerous riding and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
Members of the public should also be aware of the increased risk of bushfires on days with high temperature, especially when combined with windy conditions. Visit the Rural Fire Service website (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au) for bushfire preparedness advice and current conditions/warnings.
Finally, in the event of an emergency, call 000 (Triple Zero).

“Any road, anytime” is the message from NSW police as many residents begin their journey or return home after the Christmas break.
Operation Safe Arrival, the State’s Christmas/New Year road safety operation, started at 12.01am on Friday 21 December 2018, and will continue until 11.59pm on Tuesday1 January 2019.
Double demerits remain in place over the entire long-weekend for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle-helmet offences.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, said the roads are are still busy with holiday traffic going to or from their destination. .
“I know a lot of people will be discussing what is the best road to take home right now. I can provide one bit of advice – regardless of whatever road you are on, we will be there,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“I am pleased there have been declines in the numbers of people detected speeding and drink-driving.
“At this point in Operation Safe Arrival there has been a decline in the number of people injured in crashes across the state.
“This means there will be fewer people starting the New Year having to face rehabilitation, time off work and the imposition on family life.”
Some examples of inappropriate driver behaviour detected during Day Six of Operation Safe Arrival include,
About 1.45am today (Thursday 27 December 2018), a male driver was detected travelling at 136km/h (lidar) in am 80km/h work zone on the M1 at Wahroonga. A roadside breath test returned a positive result. A subsequent breath analysis returned a reading of 0.196. The driver was Charged by way of field court attendance notice for the offences of ‘Drive the high concentration of alcohol’ and ‘Exceed speed limit – over 45km/h’. The man will appear at Hornsby Local Court at a future date
A man will face court today after a stolen van was stopped in Lansvale in south western Sydney A Toyota Hiace with incorrect registration plates was stopped on the Hume Highway by Fairfield Highway Patrol officers just before 2am today (Thursday 27 December 2018). Inquiries carried out at the scene found the Hiace had been stolen. A search of the Hiace located a push bike, television, tools, copper wire, lawn mower, leaf blower and suitcases of clothing. It will be alleged that some or all the property is suspected of being stolen. The 39-year-old male driver was charged with drive conveyance without consent, possess prohibited drug (x2), not carry drivers licence and breach of bail. Further charges regarding the property is anticipated. He is expected to appear in Parramatta Local Court today.
Key statistics (Cumulative total – started on 21 December 2018):
Total infringements issued (not speeding): 8825
Speed infringements: 5792
Breath tests: 262,669
Drink-driving charges: 306
Lives lost: 4