By Natalee Kerr
Geelong police have been out in force targeting youth crime and anti-social behaviour as part of a major two-day public safety operation this week.
Police officers said the patrols aimed to actively engage local youth in Geelong to prevent offending, arrest and identify offenders and collect intelligence.
The “high-visibility” operation across Geelong targeted areas including the central city’s Moorabool St bus interchange and train stations along the city’s south-west corridor.
Police said they engaged with local traders and bus companies as part of the operation to “increase perceptions of safety within the community”.
The crime crackdown attracted mixed responses on social media after Geelong police announced the operation on a Facebook page.
“This isn’t going to do anything in one or two days. They need to be there every day,” Alison Hirst posted.
But Rhonda Taylor was pleased with the police actions.
“It was awesome to see this in action over at Corio Village,” she posted.
The latest police operation was part of a renewed push to improve safety in the region after months of concern and calls for action.
Earlier last month dozens of police patrolled the Little Malop St mall as part of Operation Safeguard following a number of violent offences committed in central Geelong over the previous 12 months.
Video of an assault on an elderly lady was reported nationally earlier this year, prompting retailers and shoppers to demand a clean-up of behaviour in the area.
In June Geelong’s council announced $250,000 for an overhaul of the Lt Malop St mall precinct as well as a safety report for the area.
