Manning-Great Lakes Police District officers will be part of a statewide high-visibility operation to ensure residents are safe during the school holidays and throughout the warmer months.
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NSW Police Force have launched Operation Summer Safe, with the first phase implemented for the current holiday period between September 28 and October 11.
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The campaign will focus on policing licensed premises, public spaces and entertainment precincts in an effort to decrease anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence as well as ensuring adherence to public health orders.
Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell urged all NSW residents who either live in regional NSW or plan to travel in the coming weeks and months to expect a 'visit with a difference'.
"We are all aware of the additional risks that the COVID-19 pandemic poses, with tens of thousands of people moving about the state and the additional risk of community transmission ever present," Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
"We must not forget that the virus doesn't follow borders restrictions and hotspot declaration and - when families take a holiday closer to home this year - we have to keep our regional citizens in mind.
"Officers from all Northern Region police districts will be conducting regular and high-visibility patrols and checks of major tourist destinations, to ensure social distancing and COVID-19 safety plans are being enacted.
"As people continue to chase the warmth and head into Northern NSW, coastal towns will be an additional focus - with local police working closely with councils and NSW Surf Lifesaving to ensure social distancing is observed at our beaches and ocean baths."
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Police will also focus on road safety, with traffic and highway patrol officers to target speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use and other offences.
"Double demerits form part of the first phase of Operation Summer Safe, with the October long weekend only a few days away," Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
"Always drive to the conditions and never get behind the wheel tired; your beachside or vineyard holiday will still be there, even if you are a few hours late."
Double demerits will be enforced for the long weekend from Friday, October 2 to Monday, October 5.
Operation Summer Safe will continue until the end of summer in February 2021.
Also don't forget to wind your clock forward one hour from 2am on Sunday for the start of daylight savings. The period wraps up on April 4, 2021.
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