A major multi-level police operation has commenced on the Gold Coast today as part of its next major deployment after the operation swooped in on more than 400 people in Logan and Ipswich earlier this month.
Operation Whiskey Legion involve specialist police from Highway Patrol, Crime and Intelligence Command, Rail Squad, Water Police, Dog Squad and Crime Prevention joining forces with local police to target high-risk crime in the area from next week.
The additional officers will provide high police visibility, focusing on shopping precincts, at train and transport hubs and other known hotspots across the district.
Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said the essence of Legion is to bolster community safety.
"By collaborating with our specialist teams, our officers on the Gold Coast will specifically target those posing the most significant risk to public safety and who are causing the most harm," Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said.
"The operation will primarily address high-harm offences including robberies, burglaries, serious assaults, vehicle theft and Domestic and Family Violence.
"Part of our focus will also be on maintaining communication with victims of crime, ensuring they receive support and updates through the process.
Residents of the Gold Coast should anticipate an increased police presence in public spaces and places such as shopping centres, which aims to strengthen overall community safety.
The initial deployment in Logan and Ipswich led to a considerable increase in police activity and numerous charges. We plan to achieve similar outcomes with subsequent deployments," Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said.
Gold Coast District Superintendent Peter Miles said officers are looking forward to having the additional resources in the district to support the incredible work local officers are already delivering.
"Following the successful implementations in Logan and Ipswich, we're excited welcoming these additional resources to the Gold Coast to bolster what we're already doing. This will enhance our local enforcement capabilities, particularly in areas that have been most impacted by crime," Superintendent Peter Miles said.
"The Gold Coast community will see extra officers and Police Liaison Officers (PLOs) in our busy areas, such as our safe night precincts, major shopping centres, and transport hubs. They'll not only be performing enforcement, but also engaging with the community about crime prevention, wanding activities and ongoing initiatives for community safety.
"Drivers on our local highways and roads will notice more police patrols, focusing on people involved in drink and drug driving, as well as those who are driving dangerously or carelessly.
"We're looking forward to seeing what we can achieve with Whiskey Legion here on the Gold Coast in enhancing public safety."
In the first 10-day deployment of Operation Whiskey Legion, 357 adults were arrested on 643 offences and 72 juveniles were arrested on 252 offences in Ipswich and Logan.
More than 1,000 victims of crime were engaged by police with 31 of those also referred to support services during the deployment.
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.
