Property damage, ‘toolies’ targets

Hamish Heard
TORQUAY police are already preparing their assault on unruly behaviour from school leavers in time for final exams in November.
Torquay police Sergeant Brian McKiterick said any “toolies”, or non-school leavers wanting to crash the party, could look forward to increased attention from authorities this year.
Sgt McKiterick said he was confident a coordinated approach from Surf Coast Shire and local police would continue a trend of improving behaviour among schoolies.
He said a large reduction in reports of property damage and alcohol-related offences during last year’s celebrations was encouraging but police would not rest on their laurels.
The previous year, horrified locals reported extensive property damage, loud noise and other alcohol-fueled mayhem from schoolies revellers.
“We will be focusing on all the usual things – responsible serving of alcohol, fake identification and there will be particular attention paid to any non-school leavers wanting to behave in an inappropriate manner,” Sgt McKiterick said.
He said police youth liaison workers would be working alongside shire youth workers to ensure schoolies’ safety.
The introduction of buses to transport revellers to and from entertainment venues would further reduce noise levels and criminal damage in the town, he said.
Sgt McKiterick said police and the shire were been working with accommodation providers to encourage them to implement codes of conduct, both for themselves and their guests.
“We just really want everyone to be mindful and respectful of their rights and responsibilities.”
The Independent last month revealed hordes of underage schoolies had already started making plans on an internet site to bluff their way into local pubs with fake identification.
Others were planning to congregate in groups and drink on the beach.
Surf Coast Shire has launched its Schoolies Down South website to attract schoolies to the region and ensure they party in a safe manner.
“A website devoted just to the Surf Coast gives students another option when picking out schoolies destinations and now the information can be located right at their fingertips,” the shire’s youth services team leader Glen Barton said.