While the Hawkesbury has enjoyed a relatively peaceful weekend, police across neighbouring districts have been kept busy responding to serious incidents ranging from alleged high-range drink driving to the seizure of firearms, prohibited weapons and suspected stolen property.
The incidents, which occurred in Castle Hill and Penrith, have resulted in multiple arrests and court appearances.
Police civilian employee charged with alleged high-range drink driving
A civilian employee of the NSW Police Force has been charged with alleged high-range drink driving after being stopped by police in Castle Hill during the early hours of Saturday morning.
According to NSW Police, officers attached to The Hills Police Area Command stopped a utility on Old Northern Road about 12.30am on Saturday after observing the manner in which it was being driven.
The 28-year-old woman underwent a roadside breath test before being arrested and taken to Castle Hill Police Station.
Police allege a subsequent breath analysis returned a reading of 0.182, more than three times the legal blood alcohol limit for a fully licensed driver.
She has been charged with high-range prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA) and is due to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Thursday, 10 September 2026.
Police said the woman is employed in a civilian role within a North West Metropolitan Region command. She is not a sworn police officer.
Her driver's licence has been suspended and NSW Police has confirmed her employment status is under review.
Firearms, prohibited weapons and drugs allegedly uncovered in Penrith raid
In a separate operation, two men have been charged following the discovery of an extensive collection of firearms, prohibited weapons and other items during a police search at Penrith.
Investigators attached to Nepean Police Area Command commenced inquiries after receiving reports that prohibited firearms had been located at a Penrith residence.
About 7pm on Friday, police executed a search warrant at a unit in Rodley Avenue.
According to police, officers allegedly located:
- two rifles and ammunition;
- a shortened rifle;
- two revolvers;
- two crossbows and bolts;
- nunchucks;
- mace;
- a high-powered laser device;
- knuckle-dusters;
- a throwing knife;
- a spear gun;
- ornamental battle axes and daggers;
- a combat knife;
- air pistols and air rifles;
- a number of gel blasters;
- cash; and
- property suspected of being stolen.
Police seized all of the items, which will undergo forensic examination.
Two men, aged 27 and 43, were arrested at the unit and taken to Penrith Police Station.
The younger man has been charged with 59 offences relating to firearms, prohibited weapons, alleged drug supply and dealing with suspected stolen property.
The older man has been charged with goods in custody suspected of being stolen and possessing housebreaking implements.
Both men were refused bail and appeared before the Bail Division Court on Saturday.
Community reminder
While none of these incidents occurred within the Hawkesbury Local Government Area, they serve as a reminder that police continue to investigate serious offences across Sydney's north-west.
Anyone with information about crime is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report information online. Information can be provided anonymously.
As these matters are now before the courts, the accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty.
