Cooling down hot spots
Increased police presence on Peninsula and Surf Coast
POLICE will have a beefed-up presence along the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast this summer as part of a new operation that will see officers respond to calls more quickly and effectively.
A special taskforce of 14 officers will proactively patrol and respond to problems at our biggest tourist hot spots as part of Operation Summer Safe.
It comes 12 months after young teens wreaked havoc on the Bellarine by throwing illegal parties in the dunes that were marred by violence. Operation Summer Safe will see extra police on patrol until January 21 focused on addressing public order, emergency management and monitoring crime hot spots.
There will also be a highly visible road policing component in the tourism areas.
Torquay Acting Senior Sergeant Janet Gleeson said the increased capability would allow police to respond to unplanned incidents or emergency situations.
Sen-Sgt Gleeson said that as the population doubled in the coastal regions this summer, so would the police presence.
“We will provide support of extra police to complement the areas of the Bellarine and Surf Coast,” Sen-Sgt Gleeson said.
“There will be proactive and reactive operations to assist with the influx of holidaymakers, public order, any emergencies and events.”
Those visiting the coast are urged to be careful, behave, be safe and have fun.
Police Minister Lisa Neville said police would do all they could to make sure people enjoyed their holidays in a safe manner.
“We have a massive influx of people here, we have massive issues with road and also low-level crime, we are wanting people to feel safe as they go about their holidays,” Ms Neville said.
Ms Neville said the new operation would lead to a partnership between police and the community.
Operation Summer Safe is currently running in Williamstown and Altona and from St Kilda to the Mornington Peninsula until March.