Police to patrol Melbourne supermarkets as panic buying continues
Police will patrol retail outlets, including supermarkets, across Melbourne due to the outbreak of violence from panic buying. It’s just the latest measure to maintain public order.
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Police will patrol retail outlets across Melbourne as they increase their presence in shops due to the outbreak of violence from panic buying.
Banyule Inspector Stuart McGregor has reassured the public police will continue working hard to make the community feel safe as society bunkers down in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.
Insp McGregor said officers were doing everything they could to ensure any concerns held by the public would be addressed by police and their organisational partners.
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He also said police were working with retail outlets such as major supermarkets so staff knew who to contact if they needed assistance.
“While we’re all seeing the footage of people going to the retail outlets and stocking up, what we don’t want to see is that turning into public order issues where people are starting to have fights in the streets,” Insp McGregor said.
“We’re making sure that we’re looking at where all these retail outlets are and we’re patrolling those outlets and we’ll be seen in those outlets.
“It’s reassurance for people that we are here, we will continue to be here and doing our job.”
When asked if measures were in place to help prevent the virus spreading to police officers, Insp McGregor said they were fortunate to have the newly formed Police Assistance Line.
It comes after Ringwood police station was closed temporarily and professionally cleaned on Tuesday night after an on-duty police officer came in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.
“We’re asking people unless you need the police in an urgent matter, then call the Police Assistance Line,” Insp McGregor said.
“It reduces the exposure to our members but it also allows us to do the other critical work that’s on the roads rather than be tied up taking reports over a counter or out at a scene.”
People should continue to call triple-0 in emergencies.
Insp McGregor also said “alcohol-affected” drivers had no place on the road and urged motorists to comply with breath testing laws.
It comes after concerns were raised about the risk of contracting coronavirus from preliminary breath test machines.
Victoria Police spokesman Sam Bidey said expert medical advice had been sought and police had been reassured that it was safe for people to participate in a breath test.
“Victoria Police wants to make it very clear that the exposure risk to coronavirus from a PBT machine is no different to going about your daily life in the community,” he said.
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“It is against the law for drivers to refuse a PBT on the basis that they suspect coronavirus could be contracted.
“New straws and gloves are used every time a PBT is conducted. The machine is also disinfected between use.
“If the driver is not confident this has taken place, they can ask the police officer to complete the steps in front of them again.
“If a person refuses to undergo a PBT, normal penalties apply. This includes your licence being cancelled for two years and maximum fine of nearly $2000.”