Police breath-testing boaties and beachgoers

Police and the DPI have conducted a two-day high-visibility marine operation on the local beaches and waterways on the North Coast.

Operation Banshee, which took place on beaches between Lennox Head and Evans Head, and in the Richmond River at Ballina over the weekend, targeted vessel safety, alcohol and drug-related crime and antisocial behaviour.

On Saturday (January 5), officers stopped more than 60 vessels and conducted breath tests and fishing licence checks.

Two people were issued infringement notices for not having life jackets and two people were issued infringement notices for not having a fishing permit.

Today (Sunday 6 January 2018), more than 25 vessels were stopped during the operation with breath tests and fishing licence checks conducted.

Five people were issued infringement notices for not having the required safety equipment or not having fishing permits.

Traffic & Highway Patrol officers also conducted breath tests and licence checks along the local beaches.

Infringement notices were issued for unregistered/uninsured vehicles, not displaying ‘P’ plates, and having a child unrestrained. Three people were issued infringement notices for driving above the high tide mark.

A 24-year-old female driver, who was stopped on Airforce Beach at Evans Head and subjected to a random breath test, returned an alleged breath analysis reading of 0.018.

The woman was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for the offence of Novice Range PCA and is due to appear at Ballina Local Court on Thursday 14 February 2018.

Superintendent Toby Lindsay said the operation was ‘well received by the local community’.

‘Further operations like this are planned in the coming weeks to ensure everyone on the water at local beaches and waterways has a fun and safe time,’ Supt Lindsay said.