Police conducted nearly 300 random breath tests as part of a two-day multi-agency operation on the state’s north, targeting traffic offences and anti-social behaviour on beaches, NSW Police say.
Officers from Richmond Police District patrolled beaches from Evans Head to South Ballina, along with other government agencies, including Richmond Valley Council, National Parks and Wildlife Services, Royal Australian Air Force, and RMS Fisheries, as part of a high-visibility operation on Saturday 29 September 2018 and Sunday 30 September 2018.
The operation targeted traffic offences by 4WD vehicles on the beaches, illegal access of the dunes, fishery offences, camping offences, dog offences and anti-social behaviour on beaches, including Airforce, Broadwater and South Ballina beaches.
During the operation, police conducted 288 random breath tests, issued traffic infringement notices for seat belt and negligent driving offences, and issued warnings for tyre defects, speeding and driving above high-water mark on the beach.
There were also warnings issued for dogs off-leash, illegal fires, vehicles accessing restricted wildlife areas, littering, failure to produce fishing licences, parking offences, and an infringement notice for not having life jackets.
Richmond Police District Commander, Acting Superintendent Toby Lindsay, said beachgoers should be prepared for further high-visibility operations this summer period.
"This operation is the result of numerous complaints of people driving erratically and in dangerous manner in these locations; resulting in a risk to other members of the community, wildlife being killed and significant damage to vegetation and animal habitats," he said.
"This is not acceptable. Police are putting those who pose a risk at our beaches on notice – this behaviour will not be tolerated and you will face the appropriate action."
Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour at beaches is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
