Anyone on, in, or near the water or in beachfront suburbs this summer can expect to see police, with a zero-tolerance approach for those looking to cause harm to others or put themselves at risk.
An unseasonably hot and dry summer will see people flock to Victoria's beaches and foreshores, and with that, the risk of poor behaviour also increases.
To prevent as much harm as possible, officers will conduct several simultaneous proactive operations targeting unsafe and antisocial behaviour, and respond swiftly to incidents as they arise to ensure people can enjoy Victoria's popular summer destinations safely.
"This summer, you will see police. We have a multitude of simultaneous operations on the go, all designed to keep you safe," Acting Deputy Commissioner Chris Gilbert said.
The comprehensive approach will see police from multiple operations come together with a common goal of keeping the community safe, whether that's at the beach, on the waterways, or in retail precincts, bars and restaurants, parks and transport hubs.
Local uniform officers will be bolstered by Water Police, the Public Order Response Team, Highway Patrol, Transit Safety Division, the Mounted Branch and the Dog Squad, with dedicated presence in foreshore areas and nearby activity hubs.
Mobile policing units deployed across busy areas will serve as a central hub for residents and visitors to engage with police, while also enabling officers to monitor antisocial behaviour.
"We know people let their hair down in summer. The sun's out, school's out and the vibes are high. But we also know this means some people may overindulge in alcohol and cause trouble unnecessarily, increasing the likelihood of bad decisions being made and people getting hurt," Acting DC Gilbert said.
"Alcohol, drugs and waterways can be a deadly combination. One stupid decision on a jet ski could see you, your passenger or a swimmer killed in a split second."
Police will also take advantage of extensive CCTV networks to monitor crime in real time, allowing them to respond to incidents quickly and prevent offending before it occurs.
Operations in action over summer include:
- Operation Summersafe officially begins on 1 November and will see police in and around popular beach locations including St Kilda, Half Moon Bay, Altona, Williamstown, across the Surf Coast and Bass Coast, and the Mornington Peninsula, keeping beachgoers safe.
- Anyone seeking shelter from the heat in shopping centres or retail precincts will see police and PSOs as part of Operation Pulse. Since December last year, this operation has resulted in more than 2,100 arrests.
- Jet ski riders will again be a focus for police on the water, to ensure they adhere to speed limits and restricted areas and keep clear of swimmers close to shore. Multiple operations will be conducted from Lorne through to Geelong, St Kilda and Portsea. Riders will be drug and alcohol tested by Water Police, and their vessels may be seized.
- Operation Safenight runs every Friday and Saturday night along busy Chapel Street, with patrols ramping up as the mercury rises. Day patrols are also being bolstered by Operation Embrace, which has returned following its success earlier this year.
- Meanwhile in the CBD, Operation Harmony will continue to prevent retail and vehicle crime, as well as promote the safe use of e-bikes and e-scooters.
- Across the state, police will also continue to saturate popular areas where and when they are needed most as part of the current 90-Day Activation. Periods of high convergence will be a priority, helping to keep people safe as they go about their day-to-day business.
With the exception of the recently introduced 90-Day Activation, these operations are established summer policing initiatives that have been deployed across Melbourne and regional Victoria in previous years.
However, following incidents of disorderly behaviour at Mordialloc last summer and again as recently as last week, police want to reassure the local community that the area will be a focus for proactive patrols.
"We want people to enjoy themselves, but warmer weather is never an excuse for dangerous, violent or antisocial behaviour," Acting DC Gilbert said.
"The really poor behaviour we've seen at Mordialloc, both last week and last summer, where young people have been attacking one another, will simply not be tolerated."
While Victoria Police will be doing everything it can to reduce harm, residents and visitors are reminded that safety is everyone's responsibility. Plan ahead, follow safety advice and look out for one another.
"Victoria has incredible beaches and events throughout summer. We want people to enjoy everything our state has to offer, but we want them to do so safely, so everyone can come back and enjoy it again next year," Acting DC Gilbert said.
To report any suspicious or antisocial behaviour, phone the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
