An increased police presence is being promised in Bendigo’s CBD to curb anti-social behaviour and crime.
Victoria Police this week commenced its “90 Days of Activation” in the city, an initiative which promises to deploy “additional frontline police” to increase their visibility.
Officers are expected to conduct regular patrols daily between 3pm and 6pm.
In a chat with the Wake Up Call, Inspector Peter Carey said that’s typically the time when the CBD is busiest, and when offenders are most likely to take part in criminal behaviour.
“So essentially what we are trying to do is put more police in those areas that we’ve identified that will have the greatest impact on community safety,” Inspector Carey said.
Areas where we can expect to see an increased presence in officers include the Bendigo Marketplace shopping centre and nearby railway station, plus Rosalind Park, the Queen Elizabeth Oval and Tom Flood sporting precinct.
Police assure us the operation is happening “on top” of their normal day-to-day activities with little to no impact on their existing resources.
Those who see the officers in public are being encouraged to say “Hello” and talk with them about any issues they wish to discuss.
The initiative will run through until December.
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