Police have commenced additional patrols in the Maryborough Central Business District (CBD) as part of ongoing work to address higher levels of public order offences since an increase was detected in April 2024.
Operation Whisky Unison began in Maryborough yesterday afternoon, November 14, which will see an increase in high visibility policing by police officers and Police Liaison Officers in the CBD, shopping centres and parks.
Operation Whiskey Unison is designed to enhance community safety through high visibility activities including foot patrols, wanding and mobile police vehicle deployments.
The operation deploys officers to hotspot areas to conduct walk throughs of shopping precincts and populated areas, conduct bail checks and engage with the community to disrupt and deter offending.
Boosted patrols and arrests are in addition to the day-to-day work of local frontline police.
Though Operation Whiskey Unison traditionally focuses on youth crime, it's focus can be redirected to address the issues most relevant to the specific community it's deployed to.
Maryborough Patrol Group Inspector Paul Algie said police will take action against criminal offences.
""We know that there is an increase in reported good order offences in the CBD and we will use this local intelligence to inform our approach as needed," Inspector Algie said.," Inspector Algie said.
"I work in the Maryborough CBD myself so I understand the community's concern about instances of anti-social behaviour in the area.
"However, we have employed reactive and proactive strategies to detect, disrupt and deter illegal drug activity and anti-social and intimidating behaviour in this area, including the high visibility operation we kicked off yesterday.
"This is a complex issue that also involves a range of support services police are working with our government partner agencies to address this from all angles and holistically case mange these individuals who are all know to police.
"It's very important to me and all police that the community not only is safe, but also feels safe.
"I'm confident we'll see a change through this high visibility operation, however I encourage the community to continue to report illegal and concerning behaviour to police via Policelink and if you are in immediate danger, please call Triple Zero."
