As the weather warms up Victoria Police has launched its Summersafe Operation in which officers are to bolster the police presence across metropolitan Melbourne’s coastal locations.
Launching the Operation – which is to run until March – the police said residents and visitors along the coast could expect to see an increase in proactive police patrols at popular beaches and surrounding areas including parks, entertainment districts and public transport hubs.
“Local police will work collaboratively with a variety of specialist resources including the Mounted Branch, Water Police, Public Order Response Team, Highway Patrol, and the Transit Safety Division,” they said.
“Along with having boots on the ground where they are needed most, the Mobile Policing Unit will also be deployed in our busiest areas, serving as a central hub for police to engage with the community and also monitor any anti-social or criminal behaviour.”
They said police would also have access to an extensive CCTV network across the coastal locations, allowing them to share real-time information, assign officers to specific locations to de-escalate incidents before they escalate and stop crime in its tracks.
The police said their officers would also be dedicated to local operations at other popular summer destinations, including the Surf Coast and Bass Coast.
They said the Operation’s approach would be centred around keeping the community safe by maintaining public order, detecting and disrupting criminal offending and keeping the roads safe by conducting roadside drug and alcohol tests.
“We know the majority of our community will do the right thing, celebrate the warmer months safely and drink responsibly,” the police said.
“However, sadly, there will always be those who choose to take their celebrations too far by binge drinking,” they said.
“We ask no matter where or how you choose to celebrate summer, respect the safety of those around you, respect the local community and respect the public amenities or risk facing the consequences for your actions,” the police said.
