Police to patrol Westfield Knox, Knox Ozone and Eastland on bikes to deter anti-social behaviour

POLICE will take to busy shopping centres in Wantirna South and Ringwood on two wheels as they crack down on teenagers’ anti-social behaviour, in a move they hope will make them more approachable.

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BIKE patrols are coming to the outer east’s two biggest shopping centres as police ramp up their presence to deter anti-social behaviour.

Knox police have started regular patrols at Westfield Knox this week for the first time in five years.

And Ringwood police will soon be zooming around Eastland’s Town Square following a handful of incidents involving teenagers this summer.

Knox Sergeant Col Clausen said officers would monitor Westfield Knox’s bus terminal, carparks and Knox Ozone.

Knox police Col Clausen and Grant Spierings have previously patrolled Westfield Knox on bikes.

He said the bike patrols were not in response to a particular crime issue but officers had often found youths “congregating around the bus stop”.

“If they are engaging in anti-social behaviour and making people feel unsafe, they are the ones we will be targeting,” he said.

Sgt Clausen said Westfield management were “very supportive” of the initiative and up to four officers would patrol at any given time.

“We find the public are much more likely to approach us and feel comfortable talking to us on a bike than they do in a (divisional) van,” he said.

“The bikes are very effective around shopping centres because we can split up, get around quickly and quietly, see more and hear more.”

Ringwood’s Town Square will be patrolled by police on bikes in the future.

Eastland general manager Greg Balmforth also confirmed bike patrols would be implemented at the centre but did not set a date.

Mr Balmforth said the safety and security of Eastland shoppers, retailers and employees was “of paramount importance”.

Ringwood Sergeant Michael Stuebner said police had wanted to reintroduce bike patrols in Maroondah earlier, but lacked resources.

“There is a need for them in our everyday duties because they take the pressure off our van crew and they can get in quick,” Sgt Stuebner said.