NSW: Police blitz Vikings uncovers 126 illegal workers in Sydney

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2003
NSW: Police blitz Vikings uncovers 126 illegal workers in Sydney

SYDNEY, Dec 14 AAP - A three-day police blitz has uncovered 126 people working illegally
in inner Sydney.

The high visibility police campaign, Operation Vikings, worked jointly with Centrelink
to locate illegal workers, as well as targeting drug and weapons offences, alcohol-related
violence and anti-social behaviour.

Following intelligence and tip-offs, officers visited more than 70 sites including
brothels, clothing and furniture businesses, restaurants, retail shops, car-washes and
construction sites.

Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone said over three days, the immigration status of
1,006 people was checked, turning up 76 unlawful non-citizens and 49 people working in
breach of their visa conditions.

One of those caught in the raids is yet to be identified.

Senator Vanstone said 14 people were granted bridging visas to depart Australia, while
112 were transferred to the Villawood immigration detention centre.

Operation Vikings was headed by assistant police commissioner and Inner Metropolitan
Region Commander, Dick Adams.

He said 146 charges had been laid since the operation began last Thursday.

Officers also conducted 172 knife or drug searches and 4,263 random breath tests, picking
up 43 drink drivers.

"It has been quite an ambitious operation," Mr Adams told reporters today.

"We've used some 1,200 police shifts over those three days to have a high profile policing
operation targeting anti-social behaviour and any street crime and violence.

"This operation sends a clear message to the community -- police can and will mount
high profile operations to ... reassure people we are committed to tackling crime at its
core.

"Police are serious about reducing the fear of crime as well as the number of offences
committed."

Operation Vikings began in mid-2002, making 2,943 arrests and laying around 4,800 charges
before this weekend's crackdown.

AAP ka/sjb/de

KEYWORD: VIKINGS

2003 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.