School holiday police blitz

Police on Op Socrates (Supplied)

Police will set up a mobile police facility at a number of shopping centres, train stations and community hubs in the west as part of a school holiday blitz.

During the school holidays, police will patrol popular locations in Footscray, Werribee, Altona, and Maribyrnong to engage with youth and deter antisocial behaviour.

Officers, often paired with a youth worker as part of Victoria Police’s embedded youth outreach program, will proactively engage with youth to build rapport and ensure they are safe.

Police will also be there to deter and detect any antisocial behaviour in high foot traffic locations.

Sergeant Tem Hawkes said the community can expect to see a visible police presence at popular community hubs over the school holiday period.

“We’ll be out engaging and chatting with school holiday goers to ensure they’re safe while enjoying the break,” he said

“We’ll also often be working alongside our EYOP youth workers who will be there to assist any kids who might need support.

“If you come across the mobile police facility while out and about please feel free to come over and say hello.”

Operation Socrates will run from July 1 to July 12.