Cops’ zero-tolerance push

Geraldton police have warned excessive drinkers that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated this summer.

Launching the new Summer Crime Strategy recently, Senior Sergeant Brad Bird said officers would be tackling the issue in Geraldton’s highest foot-traffic areas.

He was confident that wrong-doing would be addressed by an overt police presence, including more bike, vehicle and foot patrols.

He said although police would seek to reduce all crime, the strategy had a primary focus on property-related crime, traffic offences and bad behaviour while drunk.

“Over the summer months, people like to go out and have a few drinks,” Sen. Sgt Bird said.

“But they need to be aware that we will be enforcing a zero-tolerance stance on antisocial behaviour, should they decide to play up after a few drinks.

“That includes driving their vehicles as well,” he said.

The Summer Crime Strategy was officially launched at Geraldton foreshore during community engagement initiative Coffee with a Cop.

The initiative sees a team of police officers visit a public space in Geraldton for a few hours and buy locals a coffee, encouraging them to provide feedback about local policing issues.

Last week, Sen. Sgt Bird said Coffee with a Cop helped police learn about the issues important to the community.

“We had a gentleman speak about a pushbike that was stolen and we gave him some feedback and we can follow up,” he said. “We’ve spoken to people about protective security advice, about enhancing security in their house and looking at road safety behaviour over the holidays.”

Geraldton police are also spreading awareness of organised youth activities available over summer to keep children out of trouble.

Sen. Sgt Brad Bird urged the community to consider volunteering, particularly at Geraldton PCYC on Pass Street, Wonthella.