Home bound

WANGARATTA police have more members physically searching for people breaking newly imposed laws around home curfews and social gatherings and after new laws came into effect yesterday. Under the laws there are only four reasons for Victorians to leave their home: food and supplies, medical care, exercise, and work or education. Under Operation Sentinel police have designated patrols in Wangaratta enforcing laws which prevent people gathering in groups of more than two people (immediate household members, work/education colleagues excluded). Police have strong powers to enforce these directions and can issue on the spot fines, including up to $1652 for individuals and up to $9913 for businesses. Acting Senior Sergeant Tim Hart said they have dedicated crews that will be checking on people for compliance of the law under Operation Sentinel as well as patrolling areas where there may be gatherings. He said if police spot car loads of people for instance they will at first seek their compliance and if they don’t comply they will be fined. “Most people in Wangaratta are adapting to the continuing changes and for the most part they have been remarkable,” he said. “Some people make genuine mistakes and mostly people are doing a really good job and have the ability to do the right thing once it’s explained to them. “It’s the small minority who are selfish and don’t want to do the right who will be dealt with accordingly.” Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton addressed a media conference yesterday to detail the new powers of police, agreed to by the National Cabinet. He said police officers will understand people’s unfamiliarity of the new laws, however, he put out a warning for people trying to “bluff” police. “Reality is that police officers are human and we’re understanding, but we’re very good at telling if people are trying to bluff their way and are not telling the truth,” he said. “My expectation is this if very cut and dry and if you do not fit in within one of the four categories there is a very substantial fine of $1600.” “Discretion is going to be very limited from here on in because enough is enough. “Most people are compliant but sometimes it’s the carrot and stick and now we’ve got this big $10,000 stick. “We’ve got to stop the spread of this - people are getting infected and people are dying.” In the past week Victoria Police has seen an overall decrease in crime however a rise in burglaries and family violence incidents.

Home bound

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