A SURVEY by Victoria Police conducted has shown people affected by drugs and alcohol tops the list when it comes to the concerns of Mornington Peninsula residents. Second on the list of concerns was youth offending, followed by other antisocial behaviour and hoon driving
Local area commander Inspector Terrance Rowlands said it was a timely to inform the peninsula community about what police have been doing to combat these types of offending and other instances of crime.
“We have implemented the Neighbourhood Policing Program which has a strong focus on visible policing along with the ability for you as community members to reach directly in and inform us as to where issues in your community lie,” he said.
“We have in place Operation ASBO which targets anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol fuelled violence in our communities.
“We continue to have a strong liquor accord with the many licensed premises within our communities and have adopted a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour across the peninsula.
“Operation Achilles targets intentional high risk driving, and Operation Crush targets the illegal riding of motorcycles.”
Rowlands said there would be mobile and static patrols on all roads over long weekends.
Police had a “strong focus” on reducing youth offending and working with the Justice Department “implementing measures to steer youth offenders away from crime”.
He said summer would initially see an influx of school leavers and then visitors “enjoying the many attractions the peninsula has to offer”.
“Local police have planned well in advance to ensure not only those that reside on the peninsula but those visiting are kept safe,” Rowlands said. “I’m passionate about our service to the peninsula community and committed to ensuring your ongoing safety.”
First published in the Mornington News – 18 October 2022
