‘Big nights’ in Geelong keep city’s police busy

A LONG-WEEKEND police operation in central Geelong’s dealt with about 70 offences over two “big” nights, according to the highway patrol.
Sergeant Darren Murphy said an increase in people at central Geelong on Saturday and Sunday nights led to police detecting more offences “than expected”.
“Members issued mainly on-the-spot fines for varying offences from speeding, mobile phones, pedestrians walking against the lights, parking offences, seatbelts – anything and everything,” Sgt Murphy said.
“We had two highway patrol units working night shift over the weekend in relation to Operation Maxi. It was a pretty big weekend.”
Police officers were involved in three pursuits of motorbikes, two with the same rider at Surf Coast Hwy, which was terminated due to safety concerns.
Sgt Murphy said an increased police presence in central Geelong on the weekend was the start of a crackdown on pedestrian offences at night.
“Over the past two years we’ve had a number of people who have been clipped by cars when crossing the road at the wrong time.”
Anyone crossing a road against a red pedestrian light or crossing at an angle could face fines, he warned.
Sgt Aaron Riches said licensees would face $1690 fines after police found three people drunk on licensed premises.
Police arrested 14 people for public drunkenness or drunk and disorderly conduct and issued five penalty notices for riotous behaviour or unlawful fighting, he said.
“Three will be banned from the CBD.”
A security guard was allegedly assaulted, Sgt Riches said.
“A 25 year-old female from Norlane who was known to the guard was refused entry and she attacked him. He had several lacerations from the attack on his face and neck.
“She was interviewed for recklessly causing serious injury and released on summons,” Sgt Riches said.
City of Greater Geelong bylaws officers shadowed police over the two nights, issuing 40 penalty notices for parking and amenity issues including open alcohol containers, parking around hospitals, licensed venues and shopping centres and in disabled zones.
“I don’t think they’ve had those sort of numbers (previously). I think they were quite surprised at the ease in which they were able to detect offences,” Sgt Riches said.