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Tree-loppers charged again after returning to Cardiff

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Hunter police have charged four tree-loppers after they returned to the Lake Macquarie area, breaching the Public Health Order for the second time this month.

The blatant act of defiance has angered many residents, who are confined to lockdown orders.

On Wednesday 1 September, officers received reports from members of the public via Crime Stoppers about a group of arborists who had been canvassing the region for work.

The following day, Thursday 2 September, police spoke to the men, who told them they’d been working in the area on weekdays and returning to Greater Sydney on weekends, including to LGAs of concern.

Further inquiries revealed one of the males had provided inaccurate information to obtain a Service NSW permit to leave Greater Sydney and enter regional NSW.

Another man did not have a permit at all and other employees hadn’t had a COVID-19 test prior to leaving Greater Sydney as required under the Public Health Order.

Seven men were subsequently issued with PINs totalling $33,000 and directed to return to their homes in Greater Sydney.

About 2.30pm on Thursday 9 September, police received information that a group of six arborists were door-knocking homes at Cardiff.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and spoke with them.

Four men were then arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station.

They were subsequently issued Court Attendance Notices for not comply with noticed direction and not ensure true and accurate information provided to Service NSW.

Police will allege the 41-year-old from Kingswood, 25-year-old from Leumeah, 57-year-old from Colyton and 37-year-old from Whalan had previously been issued with PINs for breaching the Public Health Order.

They’ll further claim the men were operating under a different business name and had removed all company identification from their vehicles.

They are due to appear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 2 November.

A fifth male – a 33-year-old from Ropes Crossing – was issued with PINs totalling $6000 for breaching the Public Health Order and providing inaccurate information in his permit application.

Investigations remain ongoing into the sixth man.

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