Police have visible presence on streets during lockdown

Restrictions are back in place as of Friday, meaning there are only five reasons to leave home during the next seven days - to shop for food or essential items, to provide or receive care, for exercise, work or education or to be vaccinated.

All Victorians must also observe a five-kilometre travel limit for exercise and shopping and must wear masks both indoors and outdoors.

Superintendent Frank Sells said police would continue to play their part in protecting the health and safety of the community by enforcing these restrictions.

Superintendent Sells said police were confident that most people would do the right thing in adhering to restrictions so the state could return to normal as soon as possible.

However, there are people who choose to blatantly disregard the Chief Health Officer's directions.

"Anyone who selfishly and deliberately chooses to put their own needs above the health and safety of the entire community can expect to be held accountable and fined," Superintendent Sells said.

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There will be a highly visible police presence across the Ballarat region during the lockdown, with the Operation Sentinel taskforce to conduct proactive spot checks in public places and businesses.

Police will also conduct mobile patrols, both on foot and in vehicles.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology will also be utilised to scan number plates and identify the addresses of license holders.

Police will also conduct intelligence-led visits to homes in response to community complaints made through the Police Assistance Line.

Anyone concerned about potential breaches is encouraged to call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

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