Police forced to patrol supermarkets amid coronavirus chaos
“Jerks, drongos and bloody idiots.”
Those were the damning words Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan used to describe the behaviour of some as supermarket bust-ups and the stockpiling of essential goods show no signs of slowing down.
His comments come after yet another shocking melee was caught on camera – this time in a Spudshed store in Perth’s south.
Workers can be seen hurdling over fresh produce to break up the altercation.
And while supermarket chains are ramping up security to protect staff and shoppers, state police forces have also confirmed they will be increasing patrols in and around stores.
That’s now the case in WA, with Mr McGowan saying he hoped their presence would “help calm people”.
“If people are being violent or breaking the law, I would expect people to be arrested,” he said.
Coronavirus live blog: Latest news and updates about the crisis in Australia
NSW Police also confirmed an increased police presence to tackle a growing number of incidents at stores across the state.
On Monday, a man was charged after a melee in a Sydney Woolworths over the weekend. A 39-year-old man allegedly assaulted another man in his 50s.
NSW Police handing out toilet paper
Days earlier two women, age 23 and 60, were charged following an altercation over toilet paper, again in a Sydney Woolworths.
“Police are making a concerted effort to ensure the security of shoppers and retail staff across the state amid concerns of panic buying due to COVID-19,” NSW police deputy commissioner Jeff Loy said.
NSW Police officers have even been filmed handing out toilet paper on behalf of staff in supermarkets.
As Scott Morrison announced stricter restrictions for the nation on Wednesday, he condemned the behaviour of some witnessed in supermarkets.
“On bulk purchasing of supplies. Stop hoarding,” he said. “I can't be more blunt about it. Stop it.”
He labelled the behaviour as “un-Australian”.
He also urged people not to abuse staff.
“We’re all in this together,” he aded.
Stockpilers to be targeted by police, Dutton says
And Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, who himself has contracted the virus, didn’t hold back when announcing tough police action if anyone was found to be stockpiling with a view to profit from supplies.
"I'm going to come after those people, and I'll give them a fair warning now — it won't be a pretty experience when we deal with them,” he told 2GB radio on Thursday.
"Because the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Border Force, New South Wales Police, Victorian Police and elsewhere are onto this at the moment, and this is part of our demand problems.
"We will come down like a tonne of bricks on those individuals."
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