Sunshine Coast police officers have clamped down on antisocial behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence during a four-week campaign in a tourist hub.
Operation November Kilo ran for the duration of the Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria school holidays (September 14 to October 6), when an additional 20,000 people visited the Hastings Street precinct.
The operation focused on engaging with local business owners, tourists and community members to identify and educate behaviour in Noosa.
Police dealt with four assault occasioning bodily harm, three wilful damage, three possess dangerous drugs and two stealing instances, in addition to one common assault, public nuisance, dangerous operation of a vehicle and enter with intent instances.
Noosa police were supported by the Sunshine Coast Tactical Crime Squad, Child Protection Investigation Unit, Dog Squad, Road Policing Command, Criminal Investigation Branch, Polair and the Youth Co-Responder Team.
Noosa Heads officer in charge Acting Senior Sergeant Nick Paterson said police presence was increased to cater for an influx of people.
“The proactive high visibility and saturation of Hastings Street saw great success in providing valuable support and education to the Noosa community and visitors,” he said.
“We worked as a team with individuals, local businesses, local and state government stakeholders and the Hasting Street Association to reduce antisocial and alcohol fuelled violence to ensure people not only were safe, but also felt safe.
“Noosa is renowned for its beautiful beaches and, through Operation November Kilo, we’re working to ensure it’s equally known for being a welcoming and safe place too.”
Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton MP said she appreciated the additional resources provided during these peak periods.
“Our local police are to be commended for their efforts in ongoing difficult times where domestic violence and mental health callouts continue to dominate,” she said.
“It is never acceptable to see either locals or visitors presenting danger to our community. At what point do we say enough is enough, and hold those responsible to account?
“It is imperative that political parties move beyond grabs and slogans to get votes, to what will work to create safer communities now and into the future.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
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