By Matthew Sims
Hobsons Bay Acting Inspector Ely Reynolds has said police have been pleased with the results of a bolstered police presence in Altona and Williamstown as part of Operation Summersafe, which will run until the end of March.
“Local police in Hobsons Bay have been working collaboratively with a variety of specialist resources including the Highway Patrol, Proactive Policing Unit, Water Police, Public Order Response Team and Transit Safety Division,” he said.
“Our focus is aimed at community safety by maintaining public order, detecting, and disrupting criminal activity and keeping our neighbouring roads safe through effective road policing activities.”
Acting Inspector Reynolds said reports from units had shown a drop in reports of personal theft incidents.
“Overall, we’ve been pleased with crowd behaviour of those visiting our local beaches,” he said.
“Police have pleasingly noticed a decrease in personal belongings being targeted by opportunistic thieves this summer, however we encourage the community to not become complacent with their belongings when heading out for a day at the beach.”
Acting Inspector Reynolds said a current focus for police was the illegal use of motorised bicycle and e-scooters, especially by young people.
“We really encourage parents and guardians to be aware of the many dangers associated with this and promote safer choices,” he said.
“Bicycle rim brakes aren’t designed to stop a motorised bicycle and erratic riders have less chance of being seen by drivers.
“Road safety remains one of our top priorities and those who ignore licencing and registration laws will receive on the spot fines and are likely to have their vehicles seized.”
Police have charged a 46-year-old man with theft and handling stolen goods, after police executed a search warrant in Lilydale on Thursday, January 12 in relation to the theft of a mobile phone and other personal belongings from the Altona foreshore on Sunday, January 8.
The man was bailed to attend the Ringwood Magistrates Court on Monday, June 26.
