Drivers frustrate police

Dozens caught during Easter crackdown

A DRIVER clocked travelling at 145km/h along the Geelong Ring Rd was one of the dozens of drivers caught during the Easter break, police say.

Police are pleading for drivers to play it safe on the roads when returning home from their holidays after senior officers were left frustrated by the actions of some drivers during Operation Nexus.

Highway patrol Senior Sergeant Gary Wilson said a number of drivers were caught allegedly doing in excess of 130km/h in 100km/h zones yesterday. “That is obviously extremely fast and concerning,” Sen-Sgt Wilson said.

“Obviously there is extreme concern that anyone travelling at those sort of speeds themselves risks serious injury and puts others at risk.”

Police set up booze buses at key sites — including along the Geelong Waterfront — on Good Friday and yesterday and were largely pleased by the results.

“Our drink and drug figures at the moment are trending in a positive direction, but that’s again something we expect because we expect everyone to follow the law,” Sen-Sgt Wilson said. “Anyone who is going to have a drink needs to get a ride share service or have a designated driver.”

Police were also out in force in the CBD at the weekend in Geelong‘s nightclub district.

On Thursday, officers arrested a man who was allegedly trafficking drugs at Home House nightclub.

The man was charged with multiple offences and remanded in custody to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court.

Acting Sergeant Ivana Sarcevic said two young women were taken to hospital for treatment for suspected drug overdoses and police were investigating whether one woman had had her drink spiked. Another man was arrested for allegedly assaulting police at Home House.

Police say they were walking through the club when a person allegedly starting throwing cigarette butts from a balcony towards police. During investigations, an officer was allegedly spat at and assaulted while making an arrest.

Sgt Sarcevic said, while police were pleased with the behaviour of most people, they were concerned by the number of people jaywalking.

“We were concerned by the number of people who had had too much to drink and were crossing the road when the pedestrian light was red,” Sgt Sarcevic said.

“That’s how pedestrians get run over.”

Sgt Sarcevic said everyone needed to “look after their friends”.

She urged clubgoers to hold onto their drinks at all times and to not leave them unattended.