Cairns police will perform high visibility patrols along the esplanade and CBD as part of a new concentrated operation to deter and detect criminal activity in the area.
Minister for Police, Mark Ryan joined Deputy Commissioner Paul Taylor to launch the six-month trial operation in Cairns today.
The proactive approach will target all types of anti-social behaviour using multiple police strategies to combat crime on the Esplanade and in the CBD.
Deputy Commissioner Taylor said the enhanced policing presence would reassure the community, businesses, maintain safety, enforce the law and ensure prompt responses to calls for service.
“Our message is clear, police will not tolerate anti-social behaviour,” Dep Comm Taylor said.
“High visibility policing, first response calls for service and targeting crime trends are all priorities,” he said.
“The safety of residents, business owners and visitors to Cairns is a top priority for police who strive to ensure a safe environment for everyone.”
As part of the strategy, he said additional patrols would be carried out by Cairns general duties officers, Tactical Crime Squad officers, plain clothes police and the Road Policing Unit.
Police will pay close attention to the Esplanade, with the support of community members and business owners.
The Deputy Commissioner said the city’s network of security cameras assist officers in responding to real-time incidents in and around the CBD and thanked Cairns Regional Council for its valued partnership.
“We encourage members of the community, including business owners, observing anti-social behaviour to contact police if they have an issue,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
Minister Ryan said local residents and visitors to Cairns should always feel safe while in the Cairns CBD.
“Everyone has the right to enjoy the beautiful esplanade and feel safe as they travel around the Cairns CBD,” Mr Ryan said.
“They should not feel harassed or disturbed by anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“The community can expect to see extra police patrols in and around the esplanade precinct with officers targeting those people who are doing the wrong thing.
“This multi-faceted operation has been put together based on feedback from the local Member and the local community and I thank local police for working closely with businesses and community groups to make sure we are addressing their concerns as part of the operation.”
