Police Report - 10 March 2023

Offences:

Some drivers are not getting the message with regards to the most basic traffic laws. As a reminder the following penalties apply:

• Driving an unregistered vehicle - $240 and 3 demerit points;
• Driving an uninsured vehicle - $300 and 3 demerit points;
• Driving without a licence - $120 and 1 demerit point;
• Driving without a seatbelt - $100 and 1 demerit point;
• Exceeding the posted speed limit – Range from $120 and 1 demerit point to $300 and 6 demerit points (for a first offender).

Joy riding:

Police regularly receive reports of vehicles being taken without consent and being used for joy rides. If people continue to leave vehicles unlocked

and unattended, expect that it will be used without your authorisation and don’t get surprised if it gets returned damaged, it at all. In an ideal world, we

can leave everything unlocked and open, but unfortunately that’s not the case.

Lost property:

Police are seeing an increase in lost property being handed in. As a reminder, please ensure you take everything with you when you leave picnic and

BBQ areas, as well as the beach. There are some dishonest people out there who are stealing items left behind by others. The Visitors Information Centre on

Taylors Road has a significant amount of lost and found property, so we encourage those making reports to speak with the Centre. They are more than willing

To help and can be contacted on 22147 (local), 1800 214 603 (from Australia) or via email at nitourism@nirc.gov.au

Driving on suitable roads:

Police would like to remind drivers, specifically tourists in hire cars, to exercise care when accessing certain roads on the Island. We have some amazing locations to explore, however some of those locations are not accessible by certain vehicles in certain weather. If vehicles become stuck, Police are being called to come and retrieve vehicles and tourists, who are often disappointed when they realise Police won’t be arranging tow trucks for them. Rental companies will pass on recovery costs to renters who fail to abide by the terms of their rental agreement.

Alcohol testing:

Random breath testing is continuing on the Island, with a number of drivers recently detected drink driving. You need to make a plan B and if you can’t find a suitable, legal and safe option to get home, then you don’t get to go out and drink alcohol. Police will continue to support all licenced premises in the responsible service of alcohol to their patrons, as well as meeting their obligations under the Liquor legislation.

Please stay safe and look after each other