Sunshine Coast Police are reminding the community that violence will not be tolerated, after a number of assaults during the lead-up to Christmas.
Locals are urged to keep their cool and keep their hands to themselves.
Senior Constable Rebecca McMeniman, of Sunshine Coast Crime Prevention, said incidents were on the rise.
“Assaults do seem to peak around Christmas time, when more people are out and about for holidays, festive events and the warmer weather,” she said.
“According to our statistics, most assaults occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 4pm and 8pm, when most people are not at work.”
There were three alleged assaults to mark the start of summer, on December 1, including one in which a 21-year-old female was allegedly assaulted by a male in a shop – throwing a cup at her head and causing a serious injury.
A suspect has been nominated and investigations are continuing.
Types of assaults
There are several types of assaults, defined under Chapter 30 ‘Assaults’ in The Criminal Code (1899).
Common assault is any act where a person intentionally or recklessly threatens another person, including slapping, pushing or throwing something at a person, even if they miss.
The most recorded type of assault on the Sunshine Coast, in November, was assault occasioning bodily harm – this is when someone assaults another person causing bodily harm, when there is a visible bruise, redness/swelling or cut to the victim.
Grievous bodily harm is the result of an assault that leaves the victim with a permanent injury to health and, if left untreated, would endanger or likely endanger the life of the victim.
Serious assault is when a person assaults a police officer, other public officer, a disabled person, or someone who is over the age of 60.
Neighbourhood disputes, alcohol and road rage
There has been an increase of assaults on the Sunshine Coast involving neighbourhood disputes.
Police remone locals that assaulting your neighbour is an unacceptable dispute tool to use.
If you have been in or have an ongoing dispute with your neighbour please visit Queensland Government – disputes.
Several assault incidents have involved the offenders and victims consuming alcohol.
Alcohol effects the brain, so excessive drinking can impair a person’s judgement and increases the risk of aggressive behaviours.
To avoid this type of behaviour don’t drink alcohol, monitor alcohol consumption, and make every second drink a non-alcoholic one.
Another stand-out cause of assaults on the Sunshine Coast is related to ‘road rage’.
Police urge motorists to slow down and calm down. It is better to get to your destination safely than not at all.
If you believe you have been assaulted, please contact Policelink on 131444 or attend your nearest police station.
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This column is compiled by the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at Queensland Police – Reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at Crime Stoppers.
