Alex de Vos
Torquay’s police presence will double over schoolies week to crack down on troublemakers, the region’s top cop has warned.
Chief Inspector Wayne Carson announced he would send extra police to the Surf Coast during celebrations, officially starting on November 21.
Insp Carson said police would man the Lorne and Torquay stations 24 hours-a-day.
“Everything is in place as far as staffing levels are concerned,” Insp Carson said.
He urged schoolies revellers to celebrate responsibly.
Last month police announced the event had been cut back to two weeks to improve management of the annual influx of school leavers.
“We have cut it down to narrow the focus to two weeks rather than three weeks to ensure there is minimal disruption to the community and to have a safe environment for young people,” Inspector Bill Mathers said.
Surf Coast Shire has announced free services including shuttle buses for schoolies this year.