Police warn anti-Islam group and opponents ahead of Coburg rally
ANTI-Islam protesters and their radical opponents will be searched for weapons at a major rally planned for this weekend, as police warn they will not tolerate violence.
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ANTI-Islam protesters and their radical opponents will be searched for weapons at a major rally planned for this weekend, as police warn they will not tolerate violence.
Police are also urging that children be kept clear of Saturday’s No to Racism rally.
A number of the seven protests involving the warring demonstrators since November have turned violent.
The Herald Sun can reveal the total bill to taxpayers of policing these protests, following this weekend’s rally in Coburg, will top $1.7 million.
Figures released under Freedom of Information expose the huge number of officers dragged off the beat for such fiery events.
Up to 500 officers are expected to be needed this Saturday.
Senior police said weapons checkpoints would be set up after some protesters at previous rallies were found to be armed.
Police are understood to be bracing for a possible turnout of hundreds of demonstrators.
Superintendent Michael Frewen said violence and anti-social acts would not be tolerated.
“Urging violence and hatred within our community is not a form of free speech and is illegal,” Supt Frewen said.
“Given the history of violence at previous rallies, families and parents are advised to consider if it is appropriate for children to attend,” Supt Frewen said.
He said public safety was the top priority and police would intervene in any cases of harassment or intimidation.
“There will be a strong police presence at the rally in order to maintain public safety.
“Our message is clear: if you bring a weapon, you will be caught,” he said.
The rally has the backing of groups including Trades Hall, the Socialist Alliance, and the Islamic Council of Victoria.
But The United Patriots Front’s Facebook page urges “all patriots” to be at Coburg for “our first march against the enemy in 2016”.
“The socialist, anarchist, Marxist Australia-haters of Melbourne will be shown that this is not their city,” a statement on the site says.
“Don’t miss your chance to be part of the rally that turns the tide against the traitors that are trying to destroy our nation.”
Each of the protests has drawn up to 469 police away from other duties, figures obtained by the Herald Sun under FoI show.
Planning for each protest was graded as high, meaning preparations would have taken hundreds of police hours.
As well as uniformed police, members have been drawn from the transit and mounted divisions, CIU detectives, the dog squad and the sexual crimes area. Bus drivers have also been required.
The rival protest groups have so far been involved in ugly confrontations at rallies in the CBD, Melton, Bendigo and Richmond.
But one officer remarked that the waste of resources seemed even more profound when there was no trouble.
“You’ve got hundreds of coppers standing around doing bugger all ... just in case,” the officer said.