Extraordinary moment police helicopter yells at sunbathers to clear off a beach - after hovering over backyards out west warning families to obey lockdown rules
Beachgoers sneaking out during Sydney's Covid lockdown to soak up some winter sun have been sensationally lambasted by a hovering police helicopter.
Footage uploaded to TikTok shows officers in a chopper demanding sunbathers pack up and leave Gordon's Bay at Clovelly in Sydney's east, or be hit with fines for breaking stay-at-home orders.
Some commenters on the social media platform called the bizarre police measures 'over the top' and compared it to something that might be seen in North Korea.
Others said it shows that those living in Sydney's glamorous eastern suburbs are not taking lockdown seriously.
It comes the New South Wales recorded 239 new cases on Sunday, as police across the Harbour City ramp up Covid compliance measures, stamping out a massive anti-lockdown protest on Saturday by flooding the CBD with officers before the event even began.
@seeshots Have you ever heard a ♀️ warning from a before? ##sydneylockdown ##policeoperation ##lockdownlife ##gordonsbay ##easternsuburbssydney ##coogee ##police
♬ Know Yourself - Drake
Have you ever heard a ♀️ warning from a before? ##sydneylockdown ##policeoperation ##lockdownlife ##gordonsbay ##easternsuburbssydney ##coogee ##police
♬ Know Yourself - DrakeHave you ever heard a ♀️ warning from a before? ##sydneylockdown ##policeoperation ##lockdownlife ##gordonsbay ##easternsuburbssydney ##coogee ##police
The video shows startled beachgoers, now heading into their sixth week of lockdown, being warned that police are on their way to the idyllic spot.
'Will everyone congregating in Gordon's Bay please move on,' the police helicopter broadcasts.
'The local police have been notified and will be attending shortly. Anyone breaching the public health order will be issued a fine.'
While essential exercise is permitted under Greater Sydney's strict lockdown, eastern suburbs residents have been heavily criticised in recent weeks for seemingly ignoring stay-at-home orders with large crowds photographed at popular beachside areas.
Commenters complained those living in western suburbs are often not offered the same waring by police.
'This is in the eastern suburbs. The affluent suburbs. People in the west are getting on the spot fines,' one person wrote.
'I could never work out why there's so many infectious people in the community after five weeks in lockdown… I get it now,' another said.
One person even joked: 'Sydney will be in lockdown until the Brisbane Olympics at this rate!'
But there were some others who found the police tactic somewhat Orwellian and heavy-handed.
'I thought a shark had a bomb or something. That's a lot of effort to tell someone they could get fined,' one person said.
Another wrote: Is this Sydney or North Korea?
Large number were photographed at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday, August 1, 2021, despite the city's Covid lockdown
A glamorous group of sunbather catch some winter rays on August, 2021, at Sydney's Bondi Beach as the city remains in Covid lockdown
Police have significantly ramped up Covid compliance efforts after a mass anti-lockdown protest in Sydney's last weekend where about 3,500 demonstrators marched through the CBD with violent clashes with law enforcement breaking out.
To make sure the ugly incident was not repeated this weekend, up to 1,300 police swarmed Sydney on Saturday and setup a network of roadblocks around the city in a massive show of force to avoid a repeat of last week's violent anti-lockdown protest.
With officers scattered in seemingly every direction across the city, only eight arrests were made - a far cry from the chaotic scenes in the CBD seven days ago.
Police did issue more than 250 Penalty Infringement Notices across Sydney, with one man, 45, arrested at a home at Oatley after travelling on trains outside his local government area without a reasonable excuse.
In the city's western surburbs angry residents saw police helicopters hovering overhead while blaring sirens and broadcasting: 'This is public health order —do not break rules —you will be found and fines issued'
He was taken to Kogarah Police Station and charged after breaching an imposed Public Safety Order .
In the western suburbs, angry residents also saw police helicopters hovering overhead while blaring sirens and broadcasting: 'This is public health order —do not break rules —you will be found and fines issued.'
'This is not the Australia I emigrated to,' a woman from North Parramatta told Daily Mail Australia.
'Cannot believe it. Are they checking we are wearing masks in our gardens? Talk about being treated as suspected criminals.'
Police setup roadblocks and stopped any traffic entering the city to prevent a repeat of last weekend protest (pictured is the Princes Highway blocked at King St, Newtown)
NSW Police were spotted on multiple modes of transport on Saturday, including push bikes
NSW Police made eight arrests on Saturday, with the CBD a ghost town compared to the scenes from last weekend's wild anti-lockdown march
Only eight arrests were made during the crackdown by NSW Police on Saturday, but over 250 penalty infringement notices were issued for those breaching public health orders during lockdown
The reaction to the heavy police presence provoked a number of fired up comments on Twitter.
One labelled today's events in Sydney an example of 'propaganda', and that police were out in force purely to intimidate residents.
'I'm pro-vaccine and anti-superspreader events but Sydney today was disconcerting,' another wrote.
'Police blocking roads to check ID and ask where I'm going, I just hope we don't get used to these government controls post-Covid.'
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Another suggested it was a 'sham job' by the NSW Government and a waste of taxpayers money. A third expressed her concern about ongoing government controls once lockdown finally ends in NSW.
Lines of patrol cars stretching hundreds of metres were pictured parked on Moore Park Road near the Sydney Cricket Ground as early as 7am on Saturday as police prepared for the operation.
A wide exclusion zone was established stretching from Lilyfield in the inner-west, to Milsons Point on the north shore, Edgecliff in the east and Zetland in the south as police stopped anyone entering the city to ask them their reason for travel.
The police operation follows an announcement police would be cracking down on lockdown rule-breakers from Friday with fines lifted to $500 for not wearing a mask and restriction tightened further for eight LGAs in south-west and Western Sydney.
The huge police presence sparked a mixed reactions among the public, with most commending the police effort but some saying it was an over-the-top reaction.
'There's no protest I don't know what they think they are ready for,' one person said.
'Wow! I agree with the lockdown and agree with using extra measures, but this seems a bit extreme,' another said.
'Good on them, backing the police all the way! All the troublemakers from last weekend are back in hiding,' argued a third.
Sydney 🇭🇲 This is Completely Insane 💥 Police Choppers circling local parks, warning kids playing in the park that Police Vehicles are on the way to issue fines for breaching Covid19 Stay home orders. This is a blatent waste of resources, this is TYRANNY 💥👊 pic.twitter.com/sUcd9YDrly
— 𝙇𝙏𝙍𝙉8 𝙀𝙉𝘿𝙉 (@ATLEASTDIETRYN) July 31, 2021
Sydney 🇭🇲 This is Completely Insane 💥 Police Choppers circling local parks, warning kids playing in the park that Police Vehicles are on the way to issue fines for breaching Covid19 Stay home orders. This is a blatent waste of resources, this is TYRANNY 💥👊 pic.twitter.com/sUcd9YDrly
A line of patrol cars stretching hundreds of metres near the SCG ready for Saturday's police operation
Sydneysiders out for their exercise in Newtown were stunned by the show of force with officers stationed on the street and stopping traffic on one of the major roads into the city
Police check the identification of every passenger in vehicles entering Newtown as part of a crackdown to prevent another anti lockdown protest in Sydney on Saturday
Police patrol Victoria Park at Glebe as part of a major police operation to crackdown on a planned anti lockdown protest
Early on Saturday morning scores of police cars were seen parked on the street at Moore Park in the city's east
More than 3,500 people attended the demonstration last week, with officials warning Sydneysiders not to turn up again in the lead up to this weekend.
Police established a command centre at Hyde Park in the centre of the city to direct operations - with foot patrols, mounted police officers and patrol cars flooding the CBD.
Authorities had expected a protest after monitoring online activity, but knew the numbers would not be anywhere near as big as the one that shook Sydney on Saturday seven days ago.
Some 60 protesters have been charged and 200 people fined over last Saturday's demonstration.
A massive police operation is underway in Sydney in anticipation of a second weekend of anti-lockdown rallies in Sydney's CBD (pictured at Circular Quay)
Police expect a protest after monitoring online activity, but believe it will not be in the same numbers as the one that shook Sydney on Saturday seven days ago
Police have set up checkpoints entering area of Sydney as they look to stop people flocking to the city for another protest
NSW Police set up an exclusion zone around the city from Saturday morning after intelligence showed another protest was being planned
More than 3,500 people attended the demonstration last week, with officials warning Sydneysiders not to turn up again this weekend
There were as many as 80 officers at Town Hall station as they look to stop anyone travelling into the city, particularly from Sydney's west and south-western suburbs.
Another large police presence was stationed at Hyde Park, with dozens more officers combing the CBD checking license plates of cars and what people are doing.
The state's deputy commissioner Mal Lanyon told the Today show: 'Quite simply, the message is to stay at home'.
'The intent of the public health order is very clear, and that is to restrict movement and gathering to stop the spread of this virus.
'There will be a significant police presence today, which will ensure compliance with the public health orders.
'If you wish to come into town for the purpose of a protest, we will take appropriate action. Whether that's by infringement notice or you may be arrested and charged, don't come into town for that purpose.'
He added in the states Saturday morning coronavirus press conference that enforcement were ready for anyone thinking of congregating in Sydney to protest.
A roadblock in Newton on Saturday as authorities established an exclusion zone around the city
A police command centre was run from Hyde Park in the CBD
'I began by sending one final message to anyone who is attending to go into the city to engage in protest liberty. Do not do it,' he said.
'Our policing operation has been in place since early this morning up to 1000 police officers including a range of specialist resources on the ground already so don't go into the city to protest.
Strikeforce season investigators have been in continuing investigations into the events of last week's protests with 85 people charged to this date. Over 300 infringement notices have been issued and last night a 49-year-old man from the Central Coast was charged with criminal offences relating to the incitement of last week's protest online.
Officers among the thousand deployed across the city to deter any anti-lockdown protest
A police road block on the Bradfield Highway to check cars as they approach the Harbour Bridge in the suburb of Artarmon on July 31
'In terms of the wider compliance operation, the last 24 hours, 384 infringements have been issued, 41 persons charged with the offences related to breaches of public health orders.
'Police responded to almost 1500 Covid-related jobs, 885 of those were CrimeStoppers calls. Our compliance operation will be ongoing and we have spoken over the last few days about it being ramped up considerably.
Taxi, rideshare and passenger services are prohibited from conveying passengers to Sydney's CBD between 9am and 3pm today (Saturday 31 July 2021), under a prohibition notice issued by NSW Police.
The notice was issued to seven transport providers in response to planned unlawful protest activity at risk of seriously comprising the public's safety.
Taxi and rideshare companies face fines of up to half a million dollars if they take passengers into Sydney's CBD.
A large police presence is stationed at Hyde Park, with dozens more officers combing the CBD checking license plates of cars and what people are doing.
The CBD is currently empty with police stopping unauthorised people from entering with a massive presence throughout
Police have issued a prohibition notice to seven taxi and rideshare services banning them from taking passengers to the CBD over the six-hour period
Kristian Pulkownik, 33, allegedly struck NSW Police horse Tobruk in the nose as his rider was managing thousands of protesters who marched in the city's CBD last week
SYDNEY ANTI-LOCKDOWN POLICE BOUNDARY LIMITS
• Western boundary – West Link Road and The Crescent at Lilyfield
• Southern boundary – South Dowling Street and Todman Avenue at Zetland
• Northern boundary – Bradfield Highway at Milsons Point
• Eastern boundary – New South Head Road and Ocean Avenue at Edgecliff
Companies who fail to comply with the notice risk a maximum penalty of $500,000, and individuals could be fined up to $100,000, NSW Police say.
Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell, said more than 1000 officers will be ensuring Greater Sydney remains free from illegal protest activity.
'A pandemic is not the time to protest and this prohibition notice is just one of the tools police have implemented today to ensure the safety of the community,' Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.
'These restrictions have been put in place to stop the spread of Covid-19 and protect those most vulnerable in our communities from harm.
'Essential workers, or anyone that requires medical treatment, will be able to make their way to their destinations.
'I'd like to thank the affected transport companies in advance for their compliance.
More than 300 ADF soldiers will meanwhile be deployed across Greater Sydney from Monday to help police enforce the lockdown, which was been extended for four weeks until at least August 28.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian has urged all adults to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
A new, walk-in AstraZeneca vaccination clinic at Bankstown Sports Club opens for its first full day on Saturday.
Taxi and rideshare companies face fines of up to half a million dollars if they take passengers into Sydney's CBD
There are checkpoints at four entry points into the city with police ensuring unauthorised people are not entering central Sydney
Mounted officers are in force again in Sydney's CBD despite last weekend's horrific scenes that saw several people assaulting horses
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian vowed those who gathered for the illegal demonstration would face 'the full force of the law'
Police have set up strict limits surrounding the city's CBD to stop people entering the city for another anti-lockdown rally
A policeman was covered in ink by frenzied activists chanting anti-vax slogans at Sydney's disgraceful protests last weekend
There were wild scenes in protests across the Sydney CBD on Saturday afternoon, prompting Gladys Berejiklian to vow the activists would face 'the full force of the law'
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller on Friday warned would-be protesters they would be met by a police force up to 1000 strong
Police await anyone entering Sydney via ferry on Saturday in fears of another shameful protest
NSW Police Minister David Elliott labelled those in the rallies as 'boofheads' and said 90 had been fined across the state with many more arrests expected.
'What we saw today was 3,500 very selfish boofheads - people that thought the law didn't apply to them,' he said.
'If we don't see a spike in the areas these protesters came from in the next week I'll be very, very surprised.
'It was just a whole lot of halfwits. There is no doubt in my mind that at least one individual there today had Covid, it is statistically impossible for us not to consider that.'
Officers patrol George Street in Sydney on Saturday in anticipation of another anti-lockdown rally
Police check drivers on Enmore Road as part of the enforcement of Public Health orders on Saturday in Sydney
New South Wales has recorded 210 locally acquired Covid cases overnight with at least 33 in the community while infectious.
Speaking during Saturday's NSW update Health Minister Brad Hazzard said by far the majority of cases were located in south-west and Western Sydney.
The city's south-west accounted for a mammoth 81 positive cases in the last 24 hours, while 72 cases were acquired in Western Sydney.
Ma Hazzard repeated calls for locals not to visit other households saying this was how a large portion of cases were being transmitted.
Police talk to members of the public in George Street in preparation for an anti-lockdown rally in Sydney on Saturday
Police horse Tobruk on Saturday in Sydney, Australia. The horse was involved in an alleged incident of animal cruelty, for which a protestor has been charged, during a violent anti-lockdown protest in the Sydney CBD on the 24th of July