Police hand out fines after surrounding Melbourne synagogue over alleged COVID-19 lockdown breach

Victoria Police have issued multiple fines worth $5452 each after surrounding a synagogue in Melbourne’s inner southeast to confront a group of people allegedly in breach of COVID-19 lockdown rules.
The group is believed to have gathered to mark Jewish New Year, entering the synagogue about 5am on Tuesday and refusing to leave until nightfall, The Age reports.
Officers manned the exits of the Ripponlea synagogue, anticipating the exit of the alleged rule-breakers inside.
“Victoria Police has spoken to a number of people who attended an address on Glen Eira Road, Elsternwick on Tuesday 7 September. All adults who attended will be issued with a $5452 fine,” Victoria Police said in a statement on Tuesday night.
“A number of children who were present will not be fined.
“Investigators believe a number of other people were present and are yet to be spoken to by police.
“Investigators are working to identify them.”
The exact number of fines issued was not available, police said.
Read the report and watch the Channel 9 News clip.