Police have received more than 5,500 reports from members of the public as they continue to investigate yesterday’s protest under Strike Force Seasoned.
A high-visibility policing operation was launched about 12pm yesterday, (Saturday 24 July 2021), to ensure the safety of all protest participants, as well as the wider community and local businesses.
General duties officers from across the Central Metropolitan Region were assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), ODIN, Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Mounted and Dog Unit.
During the operation, 63 people were arrested.
Thirty-five people – aged between 18 and 69 – were charged with various offences, including assault police officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, wilfully obstruct officer in execution of duty and not comply with noticed direction re 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Of these, 20 were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Sunday 25 July 2021).
Fifteen were granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre and Newtown Local Courts at a later date.
Additionally, strike force investigators arrested and charged two men – aged 33 and 36 – overnight. They remain before the courts.
At least 90 Penalty Infringement Notices were also issued for breaches of the public health orders.
Strike Force Seasoned has been established by the Central Metropolitan Region to continue to identify and prosecute protest participants.
Over 5,500 reports have been made to Crime Stoppers and so far, investigators have identified over 200 people.
Investigators are following up every report and have issued two court attendance notice and PINS to 16 people today.
Anyone with information or vision of yesterday’s protest activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers through the online portal or by contacting 1800 333 000. Every single report will be investigated.
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: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
