Four men who allegedly broke into Pee Wee’s at the Point to be fined $5000 for not wearing masks
A group of four men who allegedly broke into and looted a popular Darwin restaurant have been charged with multiple offences, including not wearing face masks.
Police & Courts
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FOUR men caught allegedly breaking into Pee Wee’s at the Point will be each slapped with a $5000 fine for not wearing masks, on top of other charges.
About 1.20am on Tuesday police received reports from the East Point restaurant’s management that the eatery was being broken into.
“The offenders gained entry by smashing an external glass panel,” Northern Watch Commander Michael Fields said.
“They have then smashed off a padlock to gain entry to the restaurant cool room where they stole a quantity of alcohol.”
The alleged offenders then left on foot. Four people were found a short distance from Pee Wee’s soon after the incident and were all arrested.
Strike Force Trident detectives later reviewed CCTV and found the men were in breach of the Emergency Declaration by not wearing masks.
At a press conference on Tuesday morning, NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said the group, on top of other charges, would each be fined $5000 each for the Covid breach. “I’ve confirmed those individuals were not wearing masks and they will be receiving the $5000 fines as part of the charges,” he said.
“That’s over $20,000 for those four people who’ve allegedly broken into a business that is already being impacted by lockdown.
“My team is critically aware, we will be adding $5000 to any charges that we find where you’ve committed these offences and we will prove you weren’t wearing a mask during that.
“It’s not to say I’m encouraging crime to occur, but I’m reinforcing the fact everyone must wear a mask when you’re out and about, that is a key priority.” Mr Chalker urged the public not to cause additional heartache to Territory businesses suffering during lockdown. “But please do not target businesses. To those of you that can, please support those industries to make sure that they stay afloat,” he said.
A 31-year-old was charged with one count each of contravention of emergency declaration, unlawful entry of a building, stealing and damage to property. He was bailed to appear in Darwin Local Court on September 25.
Three men aged 33, 44 and 58 were all charged with one count each of contravention of emergency declaration, unlawful entry of a building and stealing.
The 33-year-old was also found to have four outstanding warrants and was remanded to face court at a later date. The 44 and 58-year-olds were bailed to appear in Darwin Local Court on September 21.
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