Police ‘move on’ hundreds congregating at northside beaches
Police have been ‘moving on’ hundreds of people congregating on north Brisbane beaches, confused about what they can and can’t do during restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus.
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POLICE have been ‘moving on’ hundreds of people who have been congregating on north Brisbane beaches, confused about what they can and can’t do during restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus.
Sandgate Police officer in charge Senior Sergeant Jon Kent said officers had been patrolling the beaches at Sandgate and Brighton over the last few days and “moving people on”.
They have also had to move on a few people at the skate park and BMX track at Fitzgibbon – both of which are on the current list of no go areas.
The suburbs fall within the Metro North health region which has (at 3pm today) 242 confirmed cases of coronavirus, the highest concentration in Queensland.
Sen-Sgt Kent said there have been hundreds of people on the foreshore at different times.
“About 90 per cent of people were okay with being told to move on,” he said.
“People aren’t quite sure what they are and aren’t allowed to do on our beaches so I’m hoping soon that people will get it.
“It really is all about staying at home unless you really need to go out.
“People can walk their dogs and exercise along the foreshore but they can’t stop and stand around, they can’t eat there, have a coffee or sunbake. If you want to get takeaway fish and chips you need to take it home.
“What the government wants is for people to leave their home only when they have to. Going to the beach and sitting on a blanket is not something they have to do.
“We’re not trying to prevent people from getting some fresh air. If you normally walk the dog do that while maintaining the correct social distance.”
Sen-Sgt Kent said police would be enforcing the current rules over coming weeks.
“We really want people to know that we are going to do it compassionately. It’s about education,” he said.
“We really don’t want to write infringement notices, however if you are in breach of the chief health officer’s dictate you are liable for an on the spot fine of $1300.”
Sen-Sgt Kent said police also began patrols last week to enforce the restrictions around businesses, restaurants and cafes.
“We are really pleased that compliance in the local area has been excellent and they are doing the right thing,” he said.
“On the first day after the notice came out about restrictions in cafes we had to move a person on from a cafe, but since then everyone has been great.”
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Sen-Sgt Kent said one positive from the current lockdowns was a down turn in crimes such as burglaries, car theft and unlawful entry of motor vehicles.
“In the last month we have had a significant reduction in that type of crime. We’ve also had reductions in domestic violence reporting which we had concerns about given more people are at home together. That’s really good to see.
“However, we really encourage business owners to ensure their properties are well and truly secured because world experience has shown they’re more targeted because they’re empty a lot more.”
Sen-Sgt Kent said he wanted to reassure the public that normal policing would take place as usual.
“Anything people would normally need to contact the police for, I 100 per cent still encourage that.
“The only change in the police response will be done in line with social distancing protocols, for example we’ll be talking to victims from a distance.”
Sen-Sgt Kent also encouraged people to check on their elderly neighbours.
“If there are any issues at all with elderly neighbours and you don’t feel comfortable dealing with it, contact us and we’ll do as best we can.”
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He also encouraged people to download the Federal Government’s COVID-19 app.
“We’ve had a lot of questions at our front counter. One person came and asked ‘what’s the definition of exercise’.
“There’s a lot of really good information on the app and if you absolutely can’t get the advice you need then come and ask us.
“My officers all have their own families and their own concerns. We really want to work together with local residents.
“We want everyone to remain patient with everyone, maintain social distance and comply with the chief health officer’s directives and we’ll all get through this together.”
The Sandgate Police District takes in Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Brighton, Deagon, Bracken Ridge and a tiny bit of Boondall.
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