Cops crack down on druggie hotspot in Melbourne CBD
Police have warned Christmas revellers to behave in Melbourne’s CBD as they ramped up patrols in a drug hotspot that has become a haven for antisocial behaviour.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Police have stepped up their presence at a CBD drug hotspot after shocking images of anti-social behaviour were revealed last week.
A police van has been placed on Elizabeth St to reassure workers, visitors and businesses in the wake of blatant drug use.
Photos taken by the Sunday Herald Sun showed people using bongs and sprawled over footpaths as pedestrian activity increased in the CBD after pandemic shutdowns.
Artificial grass that had been installed by the council on the Elizabeth and Flinders street intersection was removed a few days after the Sunday Herald Sun’s revelations.
A City of Melbourne spokeswoman said the fake grass was designed to welcome back workers, visitors and traders to the city.
“Now that high-volume foot traffic has increased, it has been removed to maximise access for the growing group of pedestrians in the city,” she said.
Victoria Police Melbourne divisional commander Acting Supt Jamie Templeton said officers continued to work closely with the Salvation Army and city council to engage with the homeless and ensure they had essential services.
“If an offence is detected, police will deal with the matter at hand. Anyone who commits criminal or antisocial behaviour that puts the community at risk can expect a swift response from police,” he said.
“The community can expect to see a highly visible, robust police presence in the city as several ongoing operations are conducted to ensure the community is safe.”
Salvation Army Project 614 director Major Brendan Nottle said the use of synthetic cannabis appeared to be a factor in aggressive behaviour in the area.
“We can’t say they are all homeless and rough sleepers,” he said.
“Some are, some have been in hotel accommodation and have either refused to take up any further offers of accommodation, or they have not been offered long-term accommodation, so they’ve ended up on the street.”
Major Nottle said that people on the street who refused help and services from the Salvos and other agencies were then dealt with by the police if necessary.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Victoria Police had reinforced its commitment to reducing unlawful and anti-social behaviour in the city.
“The significant increase in police presence and activity in the city this week, particularly in Elizabeth St south, has been welcomed by residents and traders,” she said.
Ms Capp said the council would continue to monitor behaviour in the CBD and keep the public engaged with police.
POLICE PUT REVELLERS ON NOTICE
City and inner suburbs police are on high alert for booze and drug fuelled shenanigans this weekend leading into Christmas, warning troublemakers of a bolstered presence.
Police who patrol the CBD, Yarra, Stonnington and Port Phillip areas are warning rowdy revellers they will have an increased presence surrounding licensed venues and public spaces this week.
Public order cops, the dog squad, the mounted brigade and the water police will join general duties officers on foot patrols in a bid to tackle illegal and dangerous behaviour during the silly season.
“We know there is a really small percentage of people who might want to come into the city and do the wrong thing,” district commander of the CBD and Yarra Superintendent Jamie Templeton said.
“We are not the fun police. It is about coming into the city and having a good time but do know if you are going to muck up or play up with the intent to cause trouble, we will be there to act if need be.
“If there are people wanting to come in and do something wrong, they should feel uncomfortable as there is a number of police around and our objective is to keep people safe.”
He said the festive season was a great time of year socialise but warned people about the dangers of alcohol intoxication.
“Alcohol enhances the opportunity for things to go wrong,” he said.
“If you are intoxicated that can be problematic as it can make you do things you wouldn’t usually do.
“Terrible things can happen, often fuelled by alcohol. This time of year comes increased drunkenness and more people on the streets but we will have large numbers out and about to keep everyone safe.”
Accused killer driver offers ‘profound heartfelt sympathy’ to victim’s family
The man who was allegedly behind the wheel of a car when it hit and killed a pedestrian in Kooyong early Sunday morning has offered his condolences to the victim’s family.
Man found with gunshot wound on CBD street
A man was found with a gunshot wound near the intersection of Spencer and Lonsdale streets early Monday in the latest violent attack in Melbourne’s CBD.