Port Macquarie holiday crime: Police forced to abandon high speed Audi chase

Detectives, plain clothes, the dog unit – Mid North Coast police have been pulling out all stops during the holiday season. Here’s what’s been happening.

From detectives and plain clothes police, through to the dog unit and licensing officers, the Mid North Coast police district has been calling on all its resources during the busy holiday season.

With beach parties causing havoc in some seaside locations in recent months, Port Macquarie police have been keeping an eye on the situation.

“Beach parties are a constant, there’s no doubt about that with the number of people around,” Mid North Coast police district chief inspector Stuart Campbell said.

There were 18 arrests in the Port Macquarie area on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day for what Mr Campbell described as “alcohol-related crime” including assaults, people refusing to leave licensed venues and carrying a knife in a public place.

In general the crowds were largely “well behaved” with sporadic rain putting a bit of a damper on celebrations.

There were long lines at several cafes in Port Macquarie on Monday morning, January 2. Picture: Janine Watson.

The Jaafar family – Taleb, Mallak, Nick, John and Armani – from The Hills district in Sydney on holiday in Port Macquarie waiting to board the Eastern Air Services adventure seaplane (pictured behind). Picture: Janine Watson

With the sun returning on Monday tourists were out in full force with queues waiting to get into cafes, long lines for takeaway coffee and families waiting to board various tours down at the Port Macquarie Marina.

Police pursuit in early hours

Mid North Coast chief inspector Stuart Campbell. Picture: Janine Watson.

Mr Campbell is calling on information from the public about a car involved in a police pursuit in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Officers attempted to stop a 2003 Black Audi A3 sedan, believed to be unregistered, about 12.40am on Lake Rd but when it accelerated away a pursuit was initiated.

The car continued and travelled along the Oxley Highway at speeds of approximately 150km in a 100km zone.

Due to the speed and manner of driving, the pursuit was terminated near Burrawan Forest Dr and the vehicle last seen travelling towards Wauchope.

Mr Campbell is urging anybody with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.