Police boost cop numbers in CBD to bolster safety

Police will have an increased police presence in Brisbane’s CBD going forward, starting with the Brisbane Lions’ home final at the Gabba on Saturday.

Police say more uniformed officers will be deployed to busy areas as part of a new operation. Picture: Richard Walker/AAP

THERE will be an increased police presence in Brisbane’s CBD every weekend for the foreseeable future.

Uniformed police will patrol the streets ahead of the Brisbane Lions home final game at The Gabba on Saturday.

The operation this weekend will be the first of many, Inspector Steve Collins said, as police trial a new approach to public safety and engagement.

“It’s proven that a high visibility of officers in these spaces does reduce crime,” Insp Collins said.

“Late last year we kicked off our team known as the Crowded Places Team and essentially that is to put high visibility police officers in these iconic crowded places to make people feel safe, know that there’s a police presence and deter any crime happening in those areas.”

From Wednesday, a number of policing groups, including general duties, railway squad and mounted units will be interacting with the public and handing out flyers about public safety.

The operation will take place in the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

It will continue into the summer months and beyond, Insp Collins said.

“It’s all about making people feel safe and stopping crime,” he said.