People under orders to isolate in western NSW will find police are checking their compliance as the force works with NSW Health to stop the spread of coronavirus, acting Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna has warned.
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Speaking at Dubbo he confirmed cautions had previously been issued in the western region and that the directive was it was "now time for strong enforcement".
"People who are under minister's orders for isolation, we will be checking on them," he said.
"But bearing in mind, the vast majority of these people who are sick people are good community members who will do the right thing.
"It's those people who want to ignore these directions... they're the ones we will be dealing with, and yes, we have given out many cautions up to this point in time, but as our commissioner said, those times are over now.
"It is now time for strong enforcement, because we have to adhere to these directions. If we don't we are not going to stop the spread of this virus."
NSW Police issued the first COVID-19 infringements on Thursday for acting contrary to a public health order.
As the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Western NSW Local Health District reached 26, acting Assistant Commissioner McKenna offered assurances the police were "still working 24/7".
Officers would continue to do their "job in regards to criminal behaviour, emergency services response and looking after victims of crime", he said.
The acting commander of the western region, he said police were a regular sight at supermarkets and other high-visibility areas.
"That is part of our daily taskings now, not once a day, but consistently throughout the day," acting Assistant Commissioner McKenna said.
"You'll see police coming in and around those high-visibility areas where there are people and crowds.
"And we're there for reassurance to the community that those people who want to do the wrong thing, we will be there to act and to take the appropriate action."
The acting commander urged businesses closing for a period of time to take steps to avoid being an easy target.
"...don't leave money in businesses, you don't leave stock that is easily stolen or that looks like it would be worthwhile for criminals to take," he said.
"Put your signs up explaining there's nothing left on the premises that is worthwhile for the criminal element to look at."
"If you've got CCTV etc, make sure it is working, it is operating."