By Molly Magennis
Operation Summersafe is back on this summer, which means there will be increased police presence in Williamstown and Altona.
Operation Summersafe is a statewide victoria police operation that is instigated every summer, and this year police will be out and about at the beaches and surrounding areas in Hobsons Bay.
Hobsons Bay Local Area Commander Inspector Tim O’Connor said that the main focus of the operation is to ensure people, and particularly families, can enjoy their time at the beach.
“My aim is that [there will be] a highly visible police presence. On occasions we will be supported by other specialist resources from within vicpol, for example we may do something with the water police,” he said.
“But it’s really about maintaining public order. I don’t tolerate anti-social behaviour, which all links back to [that] I want people to attend and enjoy themselves.”
The operation will also include active patrols around the public transport hubs, parks, and roads surrounding beaches, such as Pier street in Altona.
Inspector Tim O’Connor said there will be a focus on alcohol bans this summer.
“Hobsons Bay council has alcohol bans in a number of locations. We’ll support these bans and we’ll enforce these bans which could incur a $200 fine for people caught breaching,” he said.
After a rise on jet ski complaints last year, the inspector said that there will also be a strong focus on making sure that jet ski operators ‘have an understanding of their obligations’.
Operation Summersafe has already begun and will run until next march.
