Police crack down on Oz Day behaviour

Dylan Caporn, ALBANY ADVERTISERAlbany Advertiser

Thu, 22 January 2015 12:23PM

Albany’s popular entertainment precinct will be the focus of a police crackdown on antisocial behaviour this Australia Day long weekend.

The operation is part of a Statewide campaign targeting behaviour which has a negative impact on communities.

Great Southern district Acting Superintendent Jenny O’Connell said officers would be out in force.

“The main entertainment precinct in Albany is a popular place to be on any weekend, and we are expecting to see a boost in numbers this long weekend,” she said.

“Our officers will be actively patrolling the area, ready to respond to any incidents that arise.

“My main message to people heading out this weekend is enjoy yourself, but be respectful of others.”

Acting Supt O’Connell said officers would be deployed across the region when necessary.

“We have planned our rosters to ensure we have sufficient officers on duty when they are most likely to be needed,” she said.

“Resources within the district will be able to be mobile so they can be sent wherever they are needed at short notice.”

Acting Supt O’Connell said police were prepared for the upcoming celebrations.

“Long weekends are part of our regular planning activities and we have ensured we have enough officers on duty to be ready for any incidents we expect may arise,” she said.

Statewide Operation Commander Supt Peter Hatch said police would have a highly visible presence.

“Whether you are in Albany or Bunbury in the south, Broome or Kununurra in the north, or anywhere in between, the message is simple — respect yourself, respect others, and if you step over the line we will be there to take action,” he said.

The operations, which will continue after the Australia Day weekend, start on Friday night.

Police crack down on Oz Day behaviour

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