Police continue to focus on antisocial behaviour in the Maryborough Central Business District (CBD) under Operation Xray Kemps.
The operation, which commenced on 31 July, follows ongoing actions since late last year to saturate the Maryborough CDB, shopping centres, parks, and community events.
The operation includes high visibility and covert foot and vehicle patrols, wanding for weapons, roadside breath and drug tests and engagement activities with local business owners.
The high visibility patrols are in addition to business-as-usual policing and responding to calls for service.
From 31 July to 12 November, police have conducted 274 wandings of both adults and juveniles, resulting in seven weapons being located.
Police have also conducted 395 street checks, issued 27 move on directions, and arrested 80 people for various charges including public nuisance, obstruct police, stealing, possession of property stolen, wilful damage, unregistered vehicles, possession of dangerous drugs, common assault, drug driving, consume liquor in public place, and possession of weapons.
In addition to enforcement, police have joined with other government and non-government agencies at a weekly meeting to discuss community concerns regarding antisocial behaviour holistically and from all angles, including representatives from the Fraser Coast Regional Council, Queensland Corrective Services, Queensland Health and Queensland Ambulance Service.
Wide Bay Burnett District Officer Superintendent Anne Vogler said though police are continuing to address the crime aspect, this is a larger and complex social and whole-of-community issue.
"We've seen great success with previous and ongoing operations but are regularly assessing the situation and will continue with agile, concentrated operations and increased high visibility patrols for as long as is needed," Superintendent Vogler said.
"The coming together of key stakeholders from within the Maryborough community is a vital step forward in addressing community concerns.
"This is not an overnight solution but we are all committed to working together to make the community safe and feel safe.
"We're taking proactive and targeted action to enforce and engage. We know from past operations that this approach makes a real difference in the community.
"This isn't just about arrests and charges. Police continue to work closely with our partner agencies to ensure anyone who needs support, is offered it."
Queensland Corrective Services Superintendent Mimi Rogers, Regional Manager, Central Region Community Corrections said services coming together to collectively address concerns was key to community safety.
"Queensland Corrective Services is a proud member of the Maryborough community and stands beside partner services to keep our communities safe," Superintendent Rogers said.
"QCS works closely with police, Queensland Health, housing providers and other support services to support supervised offenders and released prisoners with their reintegration and rehabilitation needs.
"We are committed to the role we play in enhancing community safety and are dedicated to working with our partners to achieve meaningful and positive outcomes."
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) representative Debbie Carroll WBHHS Chief Executive said they were happy to be working alongside the QPS and other agencies in the Maryborough CBD.
"We are committed to supporting the health needs of the Fraser Coast," Debbie said.
"We would also strongly remind residents that anti-social behaviour is not necessarily an indicator of a health problem and can often be influenced by broader social factors.
"It is important that we don't create negative or harmful stigma and stereotypes around people who are experiencing health conditions impacting their mental wellbeing as stigma may discourage people from seeking help."
If there is an urgent health response required, either related to a person physical or mental health, or there are imminent concerns about public or personal safety then they can call Triple Zero (000).
The Department of Housing and Public Works' Housing Outreach and Mobile Engagement (HOME) Team is visiting key locations in Maryborough and working alongside the Specialist Homelessness Service Provider, Community Housing Limited (CHL) to support local people in housing need.
Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact the Maryborough HSC on 4324 8600 during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.
Earlier: High visibility patrols, Maryborough – Queensland Police News
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
