COVID-19 update: Oxley police patrolling Gunnedah and Tamworth for breaches to self-isolation rules

Oxley police have responded to dozens of Crime Stoppers' reports of potential breaches of COVID-19 laws locally - some that have resulted in cautions or $1000 fines.

"What police are seeing while we're out in the community as being highly visible is that there has been an increase in compliance with social distancing and gatherings socially among our community," Oxley Superintendent Kylie Endemi said.

"We continue to do high-visibility patrols of shopping centres, supermarkets, Centrelink and airports and places that we think people might gather.

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"The police are out there, all the time."

Superintendent Endemi said "police are acting immediately once those reports are received", and patrols involved uniformed and plain clothes police.

The Oxley police chief said it's not a time for complacency, especially among younger people.

"I would ask that any parent or grandparent talk well to their families at this time," she said.

"Don't just leave it up to law enforcement to ensure we're abiding by these directions; if your family members aren't abiding by those directions, then they're placing themselves at risk, they're placing you at risk, and other vulnerable people in our communities

"So work with us, talk to them ... and if they're not listening please feel free to ring Crime Stoppers."

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said social media warriors were dobbing in some people, but urged locals to do the right thing to save lives.

"It's almost un-Australian to dob someone in but given the unique circumstances we find ourselves, we do encourage the community to remain vigilant ... and that's what it comes down too," he said.

Oxley police urged locals to report COVID-19 self-isolation and quarantine breaches to Crime Stoppers online or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au or by phone on 1800 333 000.

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