Update, 3.45pm: Horsham Police Acting Sergeant Mick Ryan said the fines issued on Saturday were for people not complying with 'stay at home' directions.
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"One fine was issued on Saturday morning to a person who was found in the street for no reason," he said.
"Then on Saturday afternoon police attended a gathering of people who were drinking at a private premises and issued several notices.
"They knew they shouldn't have been there."
Acting Sgt. Ryan said police were receiving a few tip offs from the public about possible breaches.
"It is mostly about people being around, using the play equipment and things like that," he said. "They usually move on once they are asked and police are using their discretion on fines.
"The message is stay inside and obey the rules."
The Victorian government said gatherings were restricted to no more than two people, expect for members of your household, and there are only four reasons for people to be out of their home.
- shopping for what you need - food and essential supplies
- medical, care or compassionate needs
- exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements
- work and study if you can't work or learn remotely
Earlier: Police have issued fines to people in Horsham for breaches to directions on COVID-19 restrictions on Saturday.
It is not known exactly what behaviour these individuals were fined for.
In the past 24 hours, Victoria Police officers have issued 142 fines to those breaching the directions given by the Chief Health Officer in relation to staying at home, restricted activity and isolation directions as per the State of Emergency declared in Victoria, according to a statement from Victoria Police Media.
The total number of fines is now 199.
In that time Victoria Police conducted 751 spot checks at homes, businesses and non-essential services across the state as part of Operation Sentinel. Since 21 March, police have conducted a total of 13,292 spot checks.
A Victoria Police Media spokesman said the majority of the breaches were in relation to people being out of their usual place of residence and attending disruptive parties in houses, or gathering in public parks.
If a person is in breach of the restrictions around gatherings of more than two people inside or outside the home, or leaving the home for a reason that is not to seek food and supplies, medical care, to exercise, or attend work or education then they will receive an infringement notice of $1652.
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"This type of conduct is simply unacceptable and unfortunately it seems some people in the community are still not getting the message," he said. "The message is very clear to the Victorian community.
"There are only four reasons why you should leave home - to get essential goods and services, for care and other compassionate reasons, to work or study, or to exercise. Outside of these reasons, people must stay home."
Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said while the majority of the Victorian community were doing the right thing, there are people that continue to flout the rules and put lives at risk.
"Our message is this - people should not be leaving their own home for any reason other than the four we have described, if they do there is every chance they will receive a significant fine," he said.
"Police will always apply common sense and in certain circumstances officers will still use discretion, however the expectation on all police officers across the state is that the restrictions are to be enforced."
The Mail-Times has contacted Horsham Police for comment.
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