Acting Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole today announced the NSW Police Force has launched a proactive strike force to prevent, investigate and disrupt unauthorised protests across the state.
The NSW Police Force has responded to four unauthorised protests this week designed to disrupt commercial activity in the Port Botany area, which have caused significant economic damage.
Five people – three men and two women – who are all members of the same protest group, have been arrested and charged with a range of offences.
"NSW Police has launched Strike Force Guard to proactively investigate and target those involved in the planning and facilitation of this type of protest activity, in addition to current operations," Mr Toole said.
"I have been clear from the start; we will not stand for this kind of blatant disregard for the law and its impact on the livelihoods of all workers and business owners impacted by these foolish acts.
"Strike Force Guard will ensure Police are always one step ahead of the protesters to make sure we crack down on this economic vandalism."
Strike Force Guard will include general duties officers and detectives from Central Metropolitan Region, analysts from State Intelligence Command, operatives from Operations Support Group and the Public Order and Riot Squad, and specialist officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, PolAir, Marine Area Command and Police Rescue.
In in addition to monitoring and responding to unauthorised protest activity, Strike Force Guard officers will also conduct intelligence-driven taskings, including highly visible patrols around significant infrastructure across Sydney.
Police will continue to work with NSW Ports, Port Authority NSW and other stakeholders to prevent further disruptions to business and the community.
Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter, said police will continue to use the full force of the law to target those involved in this criminal activity.
"These protests are intended to create significant disruptions to trade and commerce, which has so far been minimised by the swift response of police," Assistant Commissioner Cotter said.
"It is the reckless activities, like dangling over the water or railway tracks that cause the greatest concern.
"These people are putting themselves – and those tasked to rescue them – in dangerous situations and it will not be tolerated.
"Further, police will take action against anyone engaged in activity that impacts on or hinders the ability for the community to go about their lives."
Anyone with information which may assist Strike Force Guard is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
