Return of flights at Cairns Airport could spark rise in organised crime, say AFP
Federal police are preparing for an increase in organised crime across the Far North ahead of the border reopening, saying a return of aviation could coincide with criminal activity.
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FEDERAL police are preparing for an increase in organised crime across the Far North ahead of the border reopening, saying a return of flights could coincide with criminal activity.
Protective measures and surveillance at the Cairns Airport will step up on Monday when it emerges from its Covid induced hibernation to fully vaccinated interstate travellers.
Australian Federal Police Acting Superintendent Josh Kinghorn, who acts as the Cairns Airport police commander, said the lifting of restrictions could see them dealing with “a different kind of threat.”
“While Covid-19 continues to impact travel and the aviation industry, it has also impacted organised crime supply chains and we believe criminal groups will attempt to exploit this disruption to their own criminal ends,” he said.
“With domestic and international travel increasing as border restrictions ease we are stepping up in the fight against a different kind of threat – the potential growth in crime caused by this disruption to the aviation environment.”
The AFP has used low traffic volumes in Cairns to retrain, upskill and improve operations in preparation for air travel returning to normal.
This includes the launch of a Protection Operation Response Team – known as PORTs – along with a “reinvigorated” Airport Watch group.
The PORT officers are fully armed.
“It is also intended that their presence will provide visible deterrence for acts of terrorism or criminality,” Act Insp Kinghorn said.
“But I wish to assure everyone that they should feel safe travelling through our airports. We are not trying to create an intrusive presence.”
The public also had a critical role to play in airport safety, according to Act Insp Kinghorn.
“The AFP is calling on those visiting Cairns, as well as Cairns locals using the airport to keep your eyes and ears open as you embark on your travels,” he said.
He also called for patience from the travelling public as the Far North airport reopens.
“We are asking for a little bit of patience,” he said.
“Some travellers are not used to wearing masks, and we just want to remind people to follow the guidelines that are in place.
“And not to take their frustrations out on the airport staff.”
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