North Shore Police respond to community concern over north shore neo-Nazi demonstrations

Police have downplayed concerns a permanent neo-Nazi presence is operating within Sydney’s north after balaclava-clad demonstrations staged three separate gatherings in the region in the space of a week.

Members of the National Socialist Network were stopped by police at North Sydney on Australia Day.

Police have downplayed concerns a permanent neo-Nazi presence is operating within Sydney’s north shore after balaclava-clad demonstrations staged three separate gatherings in the region in the space of a week.

Residents in Artarmon were left stunned on Sunday after about 30 members of the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network congregated at Artarmon Reserve about 8.30am.

The gathering prompted a major police operation in which several members were served a public safety order prohibiting them from entering further Sydney local government areas.

The gathering was the third incident on the north shore in the space of as many days and came after the same group anonymously booked out the North Turramurra Scout Hall for a gathering on Saturday.

Police also took action on Australia Day after about 60 hooded men carrying shields and a banner boarded a train at Artarmon before being intercepted by police at North Sydney station.

Police responded to the gathering in Artarmon Reserve on Saturday.

Six people were arrested and dozens of infringements were issued. No charges were laid.

On social media community groups, many north shore residents have raised concerns over the frequency of events within the local area.

A North Shore Police spokesman said there was no indication members of the group are permanently based within the region or have activities focused within the local area.

He said the area was believed to be chosen for its proximity to the CBD and public transport links.

Members of the National Socialist Network were given a move on order from police at North Sydney Station on Australia Day.

It is understood the Australia Day rally involved 24 members who travelled from Victoria on a hired bus while another five came from Queensland, six from South Australia and four from Tasmania.

Australian neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell was among those ordered to stay out of the Sydney CBD on public safety grounds.

North shore Jewish leader Rabbi Schapiro of Chabad North Shore said he was shocked to hear of the demonstrations.

Wilkes Cafe owner Dean Xu, who operates his cafe next to Artarmon Station, said many customers have expressed concerns about the demonstrations.

“It’s very surprising and a lot of (our customers) have been talking about it,” he said.

“We’ve been here for four years and it’s never happened before.”

Premier Chris Minns has warned those who participated in the demonstration that police had the power to unmask those involved where they were “attempting to menace people in an anonymous way”.

Mr Minns has also indicated he was open to strengthening laws on so-called white power salutes in addition to the state’s existing ban on Nazi symbolism.