Louts and “low-level” criminals have forced police to launch an operation targeting Lara’s skate park and shopping centre.
Officers from Lara and Geelong were involved in the crackdown, police revealed on social media this week.
Police had been aware “for some time now” of community concern about the behaviour of youths at the skate park and shopping centre, the post said.
“These issues relate to anti-social behaviour and low-level criminal offending in this area and as a result a police operation is now running to address this behaviour,” police said.
“Over recent weeks police have been receiving intelligence reports from the community and collating 000 calls so that patrols and response can be target to the area in peak periods.”
Police said the public would see more marked and unmarked police vehicles carrying officers “tasked to concentrate on street crime and offences” at Lara.
“There will be a zero tolerance to these offences and associated behaviours,” police warned. “Numerous penalty notices have been issued already for anti-social behaviour.”
The operation would continue “for some time”, police said.
“But we still need the community to continue to make 000 calls with regards to this behaviour when it’s happening.”
Residents expressed support for the operation, citing concerns over various incidents.
“I took my daughter to the skate park and kids’ park yesterday and we dodged broken bottles everywhere,” posted Dean Teesdale under the police announcement.
“They seem to do most of the damage overnight. Hopefully this (the police operation) will be right around the clock.
“Sick of seeing damage at the kindergarten also.”
Other residents wanted wider involvement than just police.
“The parents of these kids need to take responsibility too,” Guy Bliss posted.
The Lara crackdown follows a police operation targeting similar issues in central Geelong.
Police including mounted officers patrolled the mall area for two weeks in response to ongoing concern about crim and anti-social behaviour.
The blitz extended to two-day operation against people with warrants out for their arrest and fare-evaders.
Police issued arrested five people on warrants and issued 40 infringement notices after checking 700 people for correct tickets as part of the operation.
