Cross border operation sees 18 outstanding warrants actioned
A joint New South Wales Police and ACT Policing operation has seen 9 people served with NSW issued arrest warrants totaling 40 charges.
Since yesterday (Wednesday 14 February 2018) NSW and ACT police officers have been visiting residences and workplaces across Canberra to serve these warrants.
In in many cases they are for failing to appear in court and for others they are for an initial court appearance.
Monaro Local Area Command’s Acting Superintendent Sandy Green praised the work of officers and said the operation had been a success.
“Operation Azine is a continued effort to arrest those on outstanding warrants who think they can leave the state and the problem disappears,” she said.
“By working closely with our interstate counterparts, we are putting the public on notice that no matter where you go or what state you try to hide in, the law will catch up with you.”
ACT Policing’s Detective Superintendent Mick Calatzis said that this type of operation will be occurring on a more regular basis and is an important activity to bring people before the court.
“This week’s activity should send a strong message that state and territory police agencies are working more closely than ever and you can’t avoid your responsibilities by moving to another state or territory,” said Detective Superintendent Calatzis.
“ACT Policing look forward to conducting similar cross-border operations on a regular basis with assistance from NSW Police Force.”
In most cases people will face extradition proceedings to be returned to NSW with some individuals choosing to go directly to Queanbeyan for processing.
There has been close co-operation between NSW Police Force and ACT Policing and the ACT and NSW courts, as well as the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions for this operation.
Police are urging anyone who may have any information about people wanted on outstanding warrants to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au