Police on the rise

Warning to CBD revellers

POLICE have warned of increased foot patrols this festive season as they vow to clamp down on alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour.

As hundreds of employees gear up for work breakups and Christmas celebrations, police are preparing to enforce the law and patrol the streets.

Geelong Inspector Craig Stevens said more people were expected to flock to Geelong’s CBD and attend parties at licensed venue ahead of Christmas.

He said police from the liquor and licensing unit had been working closely with members of the Liquor Accord to ensure venues and police were working together to prevent violence at clubs and bars.

Insp Stevens said police had briefed all licensed venue owners of police expectations and liquor licensing laws.

“We will be out in force tar- geting alcohol-fuelled behaviour, impaired driving and drink driving,” Insp Stevens said.

“Typically people can consume more alcohol. We do not want this to lead to reckless behaviour.

“There will be an increase in police presence, an increase in highway patrol presence of both marked and unmarked cars.”

Insp Stevens said police would not tolerate any behaviour that put the public at risk.

“We regularly see the consequences of people overindulging. It can lead to an assault, which can have a devastating effect, and it can also lead to road trauma,” Insp Stevens said.

Police have warned they will not hesitate to arrest anyone caught flouting the law.

Anyone who is caught being drunk in a public place or being drunk and disorderly can be slapped with a $665 or $806 on the spot fine.