50 jet skis stopped in big Police assault on crime gangs
Police target crooked jet-ski riders in high-visibility marine operation and ongoing crime crackdownNSW Police has launched a maritime assault on the crime gangs in Sydney’s south using a flotilla of five patrol boats — one with an internal brig or lock-up — and six jet skis to patrol troublesome Botany Bay and the adjoining Georges River.
In what can only be described as an imposing show of strength, the Police stormed Botany Bay and stopped more than 50 jet skis during the high-visibility marine operation. But they would have caught dozens more if it weren’t for the arrival of extreme weather during their Operation Summer Enforcement 3.
Multi-agency assault
More than just a boating matter, the Water Police were assisted by officers from St George Local Area Command, Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, State Crime Command’s Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad (MEOCS), PolAir, and the Gang’s Squad’s Strike Force Raptor.
On one hand, the multi-agency operation was intended to send a clear and powerful message to end the illegal hoon riding of personal water craft in Sydney’s South. But as the joint force operation also suggests, the jet ski gangs are a cover for illegal criminal activity of much greater weight.
It's not by chance that this latest policing operation follows the recent bust of boat and jet ski rebirthing rackets in Sydney South, as we reported in this article titled 20 Stolen Boats and Jet Skis seized in Sydney.
Intimidating watercraft riders
NSW Maritime and Police have tried education campaigns using culturally acceptable personalities on ride days, but the message to “tuk it easy” appears to have fallen on deaf ears.
Marine Area Command, the HQ of NSW Water Police, says its high-visibility operation targeting safety and compliance of watercraft in Botany Bay and on surrounding waterways will now continue following the launch last weekend (Saturday, February 18, 2017).
50 jet skis stopped
Over the course of the operation, police say they stopped about 50 jet skis to carry out licence and registration checks, and conduct breath tests. However, the operation was restricted due to weather conditions.
Detective Chief Inspector Todd Cunningham from Marine Area Command says that further operations will be conducted in the future.
"Today’s operation follows a number of arrests on Tuesday (14 February 2017), where Strike Force Eastcote detectives seized stolen cars and vessels allegedly connected to organised re-birthing activities.
"We can assure the public we will be back in numbers to target any illegal or anti-social behaviour relating to the ownership and operation of these vessels," he said.
More policing to come
In respect of the unsavoury behaviour of riders and criminal gang connections in Sydney's South, it’s definitely a matter of watch this space.
After what seems like a disproportionately high number of accidents, incidents, injuries and deaths, plus stupid rider behaviour like spraying nesting migratory birds and hapless retirees and family fishos in small boats, the hoons are finally confronting some serious Police firepower.
Meantime, you can brush up on your personal-water-craft riding rules and regs at this
Roads and Maritime 'Ride Right’ page.
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