Sydney covid lockdown protests more than 5000 reports made to crime stoppers 20210726 p5y8n5.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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More than 5,500 reports made to Crime Stoppers from members of the public outraged by protests

Joe Attanasio

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More than 5,500 reports have been made to police, so far, from concerned members of the public in the wake of violent protests that took place in Sydney's CBD on Saturday.

NSW Police Minister David Elliott said that the reports are a "great start" to tracking down everyone involved and repeated his plea for anyone with information to come forward.

"As of this morning 63 individuals have been charged for offences yesterday, 35 have been arrested and 16 are before the courts today," Mr Elliott said yesterday.

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READ MORE: 'You should be ashamed': Gladys Berejiklian blasts 'selfish' Sydneysiders at anti-lockdown protests

NSW Minister for Police David Elliott 9News

"Overnight, 5,500 people have provided evidence to the NSW Police through Crime Stoppers.

"So, that's a great start to Taskforce Seasoned. My appeal to everybody who has information: please don't give up."

Thousands of people descended on Sydney's CBD on Saturday to protest against COVID-19 vaccinations and the state's lockdown laws.

Marchers started at Victoria Park, Camperdown, where police tried to contain the crowds, but were soon outnumbered.

The group soon left the park and made their way up George Street, where the situation quickly unravelled and turned violent.

READ MORE: NSW Premier insists tougher restrictions 'are working' despite another 141 new COVID-19 cases

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Sydney lockdown protests

Anti-lockdown protest in Sydney's CBD. Photo: Brook Mitchell Brook Mitchell

Dozens of people were witnessed assaulting officers, destroying public property, chanting anti-government sentiment and climbing onto shop awnings.

Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Metropolitan Field Operations, said that following the calls to Crime Stoppers, over 200 people have so far been identified.

"I'm gratified by the fact that over 5000 reports have been made to Crime Stoppers for members of the public," he said.

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"Even more importantly, over 200 people have so far been identified and police are currently following those people up to take appropriate action.

READ MORE: Sydney woman in her 30s with no pre-existing health conditions dies from COVID-19

Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Metropolitan Field Operations  9News

"That action may range from infringement notices right through to being put before the court on charges."

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Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said that the "unprecedented" levels of violence displayed in the city will not be tolerated.

"What we saw was unprecedented violence which is completely unacceptable and disgraceful," he said.

"The fact that police officers and horses were targeted for violence yesterday, is something that we won't take."

Mr Elliott said that those in attendance yesterday have a "moral obligation" to seek a COVID-19 test to minimise the chance of infections as a result of the gathering.

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READ MORE: Two men charged with animal cruelty after allegedly punching police horses during Sydney anti-lockdown protests

Sydney lockdown protests

Sydney lockdown protests NSW Police Force

"What we have said is that anybody that was there yesterday has a moral obligation to self-isolate and be tested until a negative result occurs.

If protesters do not get tested, "it would only take three or four people" to become super-spreaders, he said.

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"So, you did the wrong thing yesterday, do the right thing by your families today get tested and isolated," Mr Elliott said.

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