Altona and Williamstown residents and visitors are advised to expect an increase in police patrols along the foreshore as summer gets underway.
Victoria Police’s Operation Summersafe will be running until next March and will also cover surrounding parks, entertainment precincts and public transport hubs near the beaches.
General duties police officers will work alongside specialist units including the Mounted Branch, Water Police, Public Order Response Team, Highway Patrol and Transit Safety Division.
Mobile policing units in vans will also be deployed across the busiest areas to form a central hub for police to engage with the community and keep track of any anti-social or criminal activity.
Victoria Police is warning they will not tolerate anyone drinking alcohol excessively, taking illegal substances, engaging in risky behaviour or driving under the influence.
Police are requesting all visitors to Melbourne’s beaches to respect the safety of other individuals, including local residents.
Hobsons Bay local area commander Inspector Timothy O’Connor said the patrols will aim to maintain public order and disrupt any criminal offences.
“Wherever or however, you choose to celebrate summer, we ask that you respect the community that you are in so that we can all celebrate summer safely.”
“We have zero tolerance for any selfish or anti-social behaviour that threatens the safety of our community.
“We will be maintaining a strong presence across our coastal and foreshore locations.”
Police will be accessing an extensive CCTV network to share up-to-date information to officers on the ground.
The approach will be focusing on keeping the community safe, detecting any potential criminal offending and keeping the roads safe through roadside drug and alcohol tests, with the effort running day and night.
Port Phillip local area commander Inspector Jackie Kline said everyone has the right to enjoy summer safely.
To report any suspicious or anti-social behaviour, contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or in an emergency, call Triple-0.
