An extra 2,200 police patrols and activities have been conducted in Bundaberg and the Wide Bay Burnett District as part of an operation aimed at enhancing community safety.
Operation Victor Unison commenced on 1 March 2023, focusing on preventing, disrupting and investigating youth crime through community engagement and extreme high visibility patrols in intelligence driven hotspot locations.
As part of the operation, officers have undertaken 2,259 proactive patrols across Bundaberg and the Wide Bay Burnett District in addition to regular duties.
“Having extra police in areas such as shopping centres, parklands, public and transport areas is not only enhancing public safety but is also preventing and disrupting criminal and anti-social behaviour,” says Police Minister Mark Ryan.
“It is also a really good opportunity for business owners and community members to speak with their local police about issues affecting them.”
In Bundaberg, 154 adults have been charged with 183 offences while 66 juveniles have been charged with 95 offences.
The boots-on-the-ground style operation is also allowing more opportunities for police and Police Liaison Officers to engage with young people.
In addition, 31 juveniles in the district have been charged with 96 breach of bail offences.
“Our officers are engaging with young people in public spaces, patrolling business and residential areas, conducting bail checks, interacting with the community, undertaking wanding operations and taking enforcement action against those committing offences,” says Acting Deputy Commissioner Kev Guteridge.
“Our crime prevention officers are also highly active in our communities, providing advice to residents and vehicle owners about boosting their security.”
