Police build-up to huge weekend
Police will have a ‘heavy and highly visible’ presence on roads and at events in response to a major influx of visitors and travellers in the Wimmera, southern Mallee and Western District this weekend.
Wimmera Superintendent Ian Milner said police would be out in force from Ararat district to the South Australian border during the Labour Day break.
He said the March long weekend was traditionally one of the busiest in the region and a series of major events involving large amounts of people this year would make it even busier.
“Road safety is always a priority but March in particular, with the many festivals and events scheduled at various locations, demands a concerted approach. Every available member will be out on policing duties this weekend,” he said.
Mr Milner said it was important people were aware of risks and took care travelling from as well as to events and also while attending them.
“We ask people to be careful. Take your time while travelling and if you’re getting tired have a break. Don’t rush,” he said.
“Remember, if you are attending any of the many events the chances are you will be just as tired heading home, if not more than when travelling to your destination.
“Added to this will also be an expected general increase of tourists in the area with a lot of traffic flowing through along the Western Highway between Melbourne and Adelaide.”
Mr Milner added there would be a strong police presence at events such as Moyston’s popular Pitch music festival, which attracts thousands of patrons.
“We are putting a concerted effort in to ensure these events run in a safe manner. We have
Victoria Police road command assistance with drug and alcohol buses and will be focusing on people attending and leaving,” he said.
“There is a lot happening. As well as Ararat district there is also a big concert in Stawell and fishing and motocross events in Horsham and a variety of other attractions drawing people into and across the region.
“We’re also looking beyond the weekend and throughout March with music festivals in the region occurring three weekends in a row.”
Pitch Festival is on Sunday, a Hopkins Creek festival, also south of Ararat, is on the following weekend and a Wild Horses Music Arts and Culture festival, south of St Arnaud is from March 25 to 27.
Mr Milner said apart from zeroing in on key weekends and activities, police were also urging people to be vigilant with security measures on their properties.
“For example, we’re still seeing opportunist thefts occurring in our more remote and rural areas,” he said.
“Property owners shouldn’t be leaving petrol bowsers or sheds unlocked or leave keys in vehicles, regardless of where they live. The message is that if you’re going to be away, ensure everything is secure to avoid making it easy for any opportunistic offenders.
“In particular, be wary that offenders can target firearms and this is a particular focus area when ensuring everything is secure.
“This is also perhaps a prompter or reminder for people if they do have firearms, perhaps handed down through generations and no longer in use, to consider handing them in. This can provide us with another opportunity to prevent firearms getting in the hands of offenders.
“People can get further advice on this by calling police or a licenced gun dealer.”