While Shepparton police have continued to enforce restrictions throughout the entire pandemic, they have ramped up efforts given the latest increase in positive cases.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Victoria Police confirmed Shepparton officers would continue to ensure locals were following the restrictions, particularly those who had tested positive to the virus.
“This behaviour is extremely reckless and places other members of the community at serious risk,” the statement said.
“We are now at a stage where everyone in the community should be aware of the restrictions in place.”
Victoria Police, including members in Shepparton, receive details from the Department of Health and Human Services on a daily basis regarding people who have tested positive to the virus or have been deemed a close contact.
This information is then used by the police Operation Sentinel team to conduct follow-up spot checks through a combination of door knocks and geo-located phone calls.
Between March and June this year Victoria Police recorded 6062 breaches of COVID-19 restriction offences, with 5474 individual people recorded for breaching the rules.
Of these total offences, close to one in three occurred between midnight and 6 am, with three quarters of offences being committed by males.
According to Crime Statistics Agency data Shepparton police detected a total of 60 COVID-19 offences in Greater Shepparton, which include refusals or failure to comply with the Chief Health Officer directions, between March and June.
Of these 60, 44 were recorded in April while 16 were detected in May.
In the 24 hours up to Thursday morning, Victoria Police issued a total of 70 fines across the state to individuals breaching the CHO directions, including 18 for failing to wear a face covering and eight at vehicle checkpoints.
“Victoria Police will continue to support the Chief Health Officer in stopping the spread of coronavirus,” Victoria Police said.
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