Police arrest 31 in Maryborough crime blitz after locals decry screaming junkies, punch-ups

A police inspector said early feedback on a police blitz that saw 31 people arrested in a regional QLD town’s CBD had been overwhelmingly positive, as police focus on cleaning up the streets for Christmas.

Inspector Paul Algie of the Maryborough Police Service called a media conference on Tuesday afternoon to report a positive update on Operation Whiskey Unison.

Inspector Paul Algie has faced the media this afternoon outside Maryborough Police Station after officers arrested more than 30 people in the embattled town’s CBD.

Police also shared video footage of Operation Whiskey Unison to show how officers are affecting the arrests.

The operation, which began on November 13, has placed police in areas where antisocial behavior had increased over recent months including Queens Park, Adelaide Bazaar, and all of the streets in the CBD.

Since November 13, 105 officer hours had been deployed (up 50 hours from regular service) on CBD patrols, 83 street checks, and 31 offenders have been arrested and charged with 40 counts ranging from possession of dangerous drugs to disorderly behaviour.

Police have also completed 91 CBD business walkthroughs, where officers walk into the shops and talk directly to complainants of antisocial behaviour.

Inspector Algie reported he had “excellent feedback” from CBD shopkeepers, who were “very happy to see extra police on the street.”

“Other than people being arrested and being put into the watch house, at this stage we haven’t (received any negative feedback)”, Inspector Algie said.

Inspector Algie was also working closely with mental health and homelessness organisations to grasp the feedback from individuals who use those services.

Former police officer Chris Nelson speaks at Maryborough Town Hall. Picture: Phillip Fynes-Clinton

“Patients and clients of mental health services had nothing but positive feedback in relation to what has occurred.

“I’ve said this previously and I’ll say it again: It is not an offence to be homeless and it is not an offence to have a mental illness.

“But if you play up in the main streets of Maryborough, you will be arrested.”

Most offenders were reported to be known to police, but Inspector Algie and his team had been meeting with correctional services on how offenders unknown to authorities can be better supported when they are released from prison.

The operation will continue to Christmas, but Inspector Algie was open to extending the increased patrols “depending on what reports we get of offending behaviour”.

The arrests come after locals demanded actions to clean up the heritage city.

Hundreds of people attended a meeting last month, with people sitting on the mezzanine level, standing around the edges, even crowding the outside halls to listen in.

There was serious dissatisfaction with authorities, council, and health services during the meeting, with calls for change to legislation, a more active council, and increased patrols from police officers.

Police said on Tuesday that in addition to business as usual patrols, and excluding responding to calls for service, they have spent an extra 50 hours patrolling the Maryborough CBD, from November 13 to November 26.

Maryborough CBD resident Daniel Beattie has had to install multiple security cameras and bars on his windows as crims wreak havoc in the city's streets. PHOTOS: Phillip Clynes-Clinton

Police have completed 45 street checks specifically in the CBD precinct and also charged 30 people with 32 offences including public nuisance, breach of bail, traffic offences, wilful damage, drug offences and move on directions.

Maryborough Patrol Group Inspector Paul Algie said the area has seen great results.

Inspector Paul Algie was mobbed by concerned locals after the meeting. Picture: Phillip Fynes-Clinton

“The majority of the offences that were detected were for public nuisance and street offences. It was pleasing to see that there were no serious high level offences like assault or robbery reported or detected,” Inspector Algie said.

David Crisafulli and John Barounis LNP candidate for Maryborough talking with victim of crime Belinda Earle, Earles Paint Place, Maryborough. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Police attended a community meeting to discuss the issue last week and received positive feedback about the increased police presence.

“We’re listening to the community and will continue to take action.

At last month’s meeting, a former Queensland police officer Chris Nelson slammed the legal system, saying it held a lot of blame for the ongoing crime crisis.

“The police officers are doing their job,” he said, before pointing the finger at the courts.

“Bail is quite complicated, as police will tell you, but it’s up to the courts to protect society, but they don’t, and they haven’t for 30 years.”

Insp Algie said police had been working with other government agencies to deal with the issues in Maryborough.

“Though we will continue to focus on enforcement, it’s important to highlight the extensive work we have been doing with our partner agencies to address any issues.

“We have been working closely with Department of Housing, Queensland Heath and many other community services to appropriately manage the complex social issues that are, in most cases, contributing to the anti-social and distressing behaviour.

“To make a change, we need to tackle this from all angels to holistically case manage these individuals.”

Daniel Beattie, who has highlighted crime in the CBD with videos posted to Facebook, said last month that Maryborough, which is normally more famous for its Mary Poppins Festival and heritage charm, remained a great place to live but it needed help to stay that way.

“This town is a great town but we just need help,’’ Mr Beattie said. “We want help now. We don’t want it in 12 months’ time “We want (help over) 12 weeks.’’

Anyone who witnesses an offence is urged to contact police via Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

However, if the situation becomes dangerous or life-threatening, call triple-0 (000) immediately.

Originally published as Police arrest 31 in Maryborough crime blitz after locals decry screaming junkies, punch-ups