The Queensland Police Service's major multi-level Operation has landed in Brisbane's south this week after multiple successful deployments to the Gold Coast, Logan and Ipswich over the past month.
Operation Whiskey Legion will see specialist police from Highway Patrol, Crime and Intelligence Command, Rail Squad, Water Police, Dog Squad and Crime Prevention working hand in hand with local police to target high-risk crime across the South Brisbane District for the next 10 days.
The recent deployments of Whiskey Legion resources to the Gold Coast, Logan and Ipswich resulted in over 650 people arrested on over 1,400 offences.
The Operation also allows for greater police interaction and crime prevention within the community. Officers engaged in over 10,436 proactive interactions with the community and 93 business walkthroughs while deployed on the Gold Coast, and over 1000 victims were engaged while deployed to Logan and Ipswich.
The first arrest as part of Operation Whiskey Legion in South Brisbane District occurred around 6.20am today, as part of a traffic intercept in Stretton.
Police intercepted the driver of a white Kia Cerato on Gowan Road, and discovered the motor vehicle was allegedly unregistered and uninsured.
A 32-year-old man was arrested and charged with one count each of driving an uninsured vehicle, vehicles used on roads must be registered, and driving without a licence.
The man is expected to appear before Holland Park Magistrates Court on May 30.
Meanwhile, Railway Squad officers arrested a 17-year-old boy at a Dutton Park public transport station around 1pm today, after he was allegedly found in possession of a knife.
During the same operation, officers also arrested a 32-year-old man for failing to appear in court, and took the opportunity to proactively engage with commuters during the operation.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Brian Connors said Operation Whiskey Legion is designed to enhance community safety.
"Officers on the ground will work with specialist teams to target people who are causing the most harm to the community, and are putting public safety at significant risk," Acting Deputy Commissioner Connors said.
"We will be targeting offenders across all crime classes, including vehicle theft and property crime, robbery, assault, and Domestic and Family Violence (DFV).
"This operation also supports local police in putting preventative strategies in place, to help drive down crime."
South Brisbane residents should expect increased police activities in public areas including shopping centres, and ongoing communication with victims of crime.
Chief Superintendent Rhys Wildman said officers in the South Brisbane district are looking forward to the additional resources to support the fantastic work already being done on the ground.
"These additional officers will bolster our local enforcement capabilities in areas that have been most impacted by crime and engage with the community about crime prevention and ongoing community safety initiatives.
"Legion has had hugely successful deployments in other districts and will support our efforts in ensuring the community is safe.
"We welcome these extra resources and are looking forward to seeing the results of Operation Whiskey Legion in South Brisbane after the 10 days".
0.00 - 1.38 – Operation Whiskey Legion briefing.
0.38 - onwards - Police operation at a Dutton Park transport hub.
1.48 - 2.22 – Arrest of a 32-year-old man for failing to appear in court.
2.22 - 3.00 - Wanding of commuter.
3.00 - 3.36 – Arrest of a 17-year-old for possession of a knife.
