Police conduct licence checks at Coles

By Romy Stephens

Police attended Coles in Healesville today (14 July) to conduct licence checks and ensure only locals were shopping during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Healesville police Sergeant Stewart Thomson said the checks were done to help protect the local community and control the pandemic.

“We’re providing a proactive visible police presence in our high density community areas, supermarkets being one of these areas,” he said.

“We want the public to feel safe during these uncertain times.

“We are ensuring that members of the public are complying with the current Covid-19 restrictions that are in force.”

It is understood only a couple of people that came from the western suburbs were sent away and no fines were issued.

Sgt Thomson said as long as people were abiding by the Stage 3 restrictions, they would have nothing to worry about.

“You don’t need to carry ID to Coles, that’s not what it’s about. It’s about ensuring that you’re complying with the current Covid restrictions and that you’re minimising your travel to essential travel only,” he said.

“It’s not a case where you have to carry your licence at all times, it’s just a case that if you are not from the area then expect to be questioned as to why you’re here.

“If you’re local and you need to travel for one of the four reasons then you have nothing to worry about.”