Queensland police chief Katarina Carroll vows ‘action will be taken’ against border hoppers

Queensland’s Police Commissioner has slammed people hopping across the border, warning those who think they have successfully breached the barriers that they will be identified and “action will be taken”.

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said it is “terribly disappointing” to see people hopping across the Queensland and New South Wales border, vowing that police will follow up on those playing skipping rope with the blockade.

Dozens of pedestrians, cyclists and skateboarders were caught by The Courier-Mail on Monday crossing the border as 120 personnel from the ADF will be brought in the bolster the border.

Queensland Border bungle. People coming and going across the Queensland and NSW border in Bay Street, Tweed Heads.

The Police Commissioner has vowed to come down hard on the “small portion” who are putting the state at risk.

“This is obviously terribly disappointing and it always that small portion of the community that sometimes makes this incredibly difficult,” Ms Carroll said.

“Action will be taken on those who are constantly hopping across the border and I ask the community, as they are, to continually report on that as well.”

“There are hefty fines involved in this.”

Alongside the ADF personnel, more police will be added to the border checkpoint, Commissioner Carroll said police have an “amazing working relationship” with the ADF.

Queensland Border bungle. People coming and going across the Queensland and NSW border in Bay Street, Tweed Heads.

“Unfortunately we always have this minority that makes it incredibly difficult for not only the police but the community as well,” she said.

“I ask that the community works with us, if we don’t intercept you at the point of you hopping across the border, we will be following you up on that.”

Police intercepted 5000 vehicles overnight, refusing entry to 199, 17 of which were essential workers who are not vaccinated.

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll speaks during a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled