Month: August 2020

Two people have been charged with assaulting police and seven Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued since the last COVID-19 update.
Police will allege just before 12pm on Wednesday (12 August 2020), a 14-year-old boy boarded a bus at Lane Cove while appearing to be heavily affected by alcohol.
The driver of the bus told the teenager not to board, but when he boarded the bus anyway, the driver called police.
The teenager allegedly then punched the driver in the head and spat in his face, before getting off the bus.
Officers from North Shore Police Area Command located the young person a short time later, taking him back to Chatswood Police Station, where he allegedly assaulted a police officer who was assisting him to an ambulance. He was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for observation.
About 1pm yesterday (Thursday 13 August 2020), he was released from hospital and taken back to the station, where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, assault officer in execution of duty, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, behave in offensive manner in/near public place, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm, not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19.
The teen was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Friday 14 August 2020).
In an unrelated incident, about 7.30pm yesterday (Thursday 13 August 2020), officers from North Shore Police Area Command attended a home on Spit Road, Mosman, following a call to assist NSW Ambulance Paramedics.
While in the back of the ambulance it’s alleged a woman, aged 23, spat in the face of two police officers and paramedics. It’s further alleged she bit the finger of the male Constable.
The woman was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for assessment. She was released about 11pm and taken to Chatswood Police Station, where she was charged with assault police and not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19.
She was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Manly Local Court on Thursday 10 September 2020.
In addition, six people were issued $1000 PINs and one business a $5000 PIN, including:

• A hotel on Darling Street, Balmain, was issued a $5000 PIN for failing to comply with a ministerial direction for alleged breaches detected on Saturday 8 August 2020, following inquiries by officers from Leichhardt Police Area Command. It will be alleged the licensee organised a party at the location, where over 30 people attended.

• The licensee of a hotel at Macksville has been issued with a $1000 PIN after officers from Mid North Coast Police District identified potential breaches during a visit on Friday 7 August 2020. Police will allege a follow-up check revealed the breaches were not addressed, resulting in the PIN.

• Officers from Riverina Police District issued the licensee of a business on Morgan Street, Wagga Wagga, with a $1000 fine for failing to implement a COVID-19 safety plan.

• A 45-year-old man from South Kempsey was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Mid North Coast Police District after he left his home to go grocery shopping during his 14-day self-isolation.

• A 21-year-old woman from Guildford was issued with a $1000 PIN by officers from South Sydney Police Area Command after she breached self-isolation at a facility in Zetland.

• A 38-year-old woman and 43-year-old man from Victoria were each issued with $1000 PINs by officers from Monaro Police District after the pair entered NSW and did not comply with the conditions of their permit. Police will allege they attended the ski fields at Perisher.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Victims of domestic and family violence will now have easier access to NSW public hospitals for the treatment of their injuries, as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 response.
The NSW Government has changed its NSW hospital fees policy so that Medicare ineligible victims of domestic and family violence (DFV) – like those on Temporary Protection Visas – will no longer be required to report the crime to police in order to access public hospitals at no cost.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the change follows an Australian Institute of Criminology report that found DFV had risen during the pandemic, but a large proportion of victims were not reporting to police.
“Many women will choose to contact the Domestic Violence Line, specialist frontline domestic violence services or medical care before they’re ready to report to police for a range of reasons, including fear of repercussions,” Mr Speakman said.
“Those suffering domestic violence need every lifeline we can give them, especially now when COVID-19 measures are potentially forcing victim-survivors into isolation in the same household as the perpetrators of their abuse.
“This reform is focused on removing obstacles for especially vulnerable victim-survivors to ensure immediate medical support is available and accessible when it’s needed most.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it is vital that people facing violence at home feel safe to seek support and care in our public hospitals, without fear of reprisal from perpetrators.
“A tragic, often hidden cost of the COVID-19 pandemic is the rise in violence on the homefront and fewer opportunities to reach out for support,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government is helping to clear the way for victims of domestic and family violence to receive essential medical treatment and care in our hospitals, whenever they need it.”
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, when it’s safe to do so, you can contact the following supports:

• NSW Domestic Violence Line, for crisis counselling, referral or support on 1800 65 64 63;
• 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling and support services;
• Link2Home on 1800 152 152 who can help refer women experiencing domestic violence to crisis accommodation; and
• Men’s Referral Service for men who use violence, or their friends and family on 1300 766 491 or https://ntv.org.au/.

If you are in immediate danger or in an emergency, always contact Triple Zero (000).
For more information on services and supports, visit the NSW Government’s ‘Speak Out’ webpage: https://www.speakout.dcj.nsw.gov.au/.

A new online toolkit is helping businesses as they continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19.
Developed by the NSW Government’s business advisory service, Business Connect, the toolkit includes more than 35 webinars on a range of business-related subjects, fact sheets and training videos.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the webinars contained invaluable tips for business owners across the state.
“It’s been a really tough year for small businesses, with drought, bushfires, floods and the ongoing COVID-19 global health pandemic hitting the hip pockets of business owners right around the state,” Mr Tudehope said.
“This is just one way businesses can get access to the tools and resources they need to relaunch or re-establish during these challenging times.
“Anyone can access the toolkit, and since the webinars are all pre-recorded, they can be watched at any time.”
Topics include Building a Successful Online Store, Survive and Thrive during COVID-19 and Brand Building.
“I also encourage small businesses to look at other services available from Business Connect, as there are more than 120 Business Connect advisors who can provide free-of-charge advice during COVID-19.”
Mr Tudehope said 97 per cent of businesses who used Business Connect would likely recommend the program.
Other webinar topics include Business Disruption: Rural and Regional, presented by Sue Williams, founder of the Great Lakes Food Trail, Organic Facebook Marketing, and Smart Phone Flat Lay Photography.
To access the Business Connect Online Toolkit click here.

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) is re-appealing for assistance from the community after new details came to light in the investigation into the 1980 assassination of a Turkish diplomat and his bodyguard in Sydney’s east. Turkish Consul-General
Sarik Ariyak, aged 50, and his bodyguard, Engin Sever, aged 28, were shot outside a residence on Portland Street, Dover Heights, about 9.45am on Wednesday 17 December 1980.
Mr Ariyak and Mr Sever were leaving the residence in separate vehicles, when they were approached by two unknown men, who fired multiple shots at close range before fleeing the area on a motorcycle.
Mr Ariyak died at the scene, and Mr Sever died a short time later at St Vincent’s Hospital.
Despite extensive investigations by police at the time and over the years, no one has ever been charged.
Following a formal review last year, the NSW JCTT, which comprises the NSW Police Force’s Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission, established Operation Esslemont to re-investigate the murders and is using advancements in investigative techniques and forensic technologies.
To assist their initial inquiries, the NSW Government reward for information was increased to $1 million on the 39th anniversary (17 December 2019), which has assisted in providing a number of new lines of inquiry.
Acting on these new lines of inquiry, police divers from Marine Area Command recently conducted initial searches in Sydney Harbour off Greenwich Point regarding items of interest to the investigation.
As investigations continue – both domestically and internationally, JCTT officers are re-appealing to the community for information, which may assist with current lines of inquiry.
Investigators are keen to speak with anyone who may have details relating to the persons responsible for, and assisting in; the planning and carrying out of the assassination, and the concealment of items such as the motorcycle, weapon and other items used during the assassination both before and after the offence.
NSW Police Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton, said despite encouraging leads being followed by investigators, the JCTT needs further community assistance.
“Operation Esslemont investigators have been working meticulously through the original case files and have established new and significant lines of inquiry,” Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton said.
“Since our appeal late last year, we have received incredible interest from the community but given the politically motivated nature of the assassination, we believe there’s still a reluctance to help us.
“But experience tells us that the passage of time – particularly changes in relationships between people with knowledge of a crime – coupled with a hefty reward can be the key to breaking the wall of silence.
“With that in mind, I urge anyone who has information that will help the JCTT deliver justice for Mr Ariak and Mr Sever to come forward now and share what they know with investigators.”
JCTT investigators remind the community that the $1 million reward remains in place for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Mr Ariak and Mr Sever’s murders.
Anyone with information that may assist Operation Esslemont investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Police will address the media after nine people were arrested following an investigation into an IED detonation that injured a woman in Sydney’s inner west earlier this year.
On Monday 8 June 2020, a woman was inside her home on Robert Street, Canterbury, when she noticed a fire on the front balcony about 11.20pm.
The woman walked outside to investigate and when she tried to extinguish the fire, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated.
The 55-year-old woman was treated at the scene, before being taken to Concord Hospital for treatment of burns to her face, hands, chest and legs.
A 19-year-old man who was also home at the time was uninjured.
Detectives from Burwood Police Area Command established Strike Force Shalimah to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators, with assistance from Auburn, Fairfield and Campsie Police Area Commands and Central Metropolitan Region ODIN, attended homes across Sydney from about 7am today (Thursday 13 August 2020), and arrested eight males, aged between 17 and 20.
They were taken to Mascot, Bankstown, Burwood and Fairfield Police Stations.
Search warrants were executed at three homes in Zetland, Concord and Fairfield, where officers seized clothing, phones and other items relevant to the investigation.
Just before 9am, an 18-year-old man was arrested after attending Mascot Police Station
Inquiries continue.
Anyone with information that can assist Strike Force Shalimah investigators are urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Police have charged a man in Sydney’s CBD after he allegedly spat at multiple officers yesterday.
About 6.30pm (Wednesday 12 August 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a hotel on George Street, Sydney, after reports of an altercation.
Police stopped a man at Railway Square, at the intersection of George and Lee Streets and the 32-year-old was arrested after he refused to provide details and attempted to walk away.
His identity was established, and he was issued a move-on direction.
After failing to comply, the man was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station where he allegedly repeatedly spat at multiple officer’s while being held in custody.
The man was charged with use offensive language in/near public place/school, refuse/fail to comply with direction under Part 14, and not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19.
The man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Thursday 13 August 2020).
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.