Local police have thanked Bathurst 500 spectators for their courteous conduct over the weekend attending the opening round of the Supercars Championship.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Operation Bathurst 500 concluded on Monday with only minor police intervention required over the four days.
Chifley Police District Commander, Detective Superintendent Peter O'Brien said police were satisfied overall with the behaviour of the crowd, which was understandably smaller due to COVID restrictions.
It was a very good operation from our point of view, probably a few too many infringements for our liking, but that's what happens when you get a large number of people congregating in one area.
- Detective Superintendent Peter O'Brien
"The behaviour of the crowd was excellent," Subt O'Brien said.
"We had isolated issues with a couple of patrons who were removed from Mount Panorama due to antisocial behaviour but overall, for the number of people who were there and the COVID restrictions in place, it was a very good result for both police and Supercars."
Supt O'Brien said there was a significant presence of police operating on all major roads in and out of Bathurst, targeting speeding, drink and drug driving.
"There was 4214 random breath tests conducted, 205 speeding tickets, and 933 drug tests carried out," he said.
"In addition, there were 304 infringements for various offences."
"It was a very good operation from our point of view, probably a few too many infringements for our liking, but that's what happens when you get a large number of people congregating in one area."
"The footprint of the operation extended to Lithgow, Cowra, Orange and all surrounds, so it was a massive effort."
Supt O'Brien said the isolated issues were related to intoxication and vandalism.
"Two people were ejected on Saturday after arguing and disrupting other patrons while intoxicated and both received banning notices," he said.
"Another gentleman was removed for graffitiing an area and will face court for the offence."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.centralwesterndaily.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
HAVE YOUR SAY
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below ...