Extra police for Easter

Extra police officers will be rostered on to help with the busy Easter weekend on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Bellarine Police Senior Sergeant Adrian Bickley said all signs are pointing to a bumper weekend on the Bellarine and said some of the issues police will be focussing on include alcohol use and behaviour stemming from the abuse of alcohol.

Property damage is also high on the list as police wish to decrease damage occurring to buildings such as public toilets, Senior Sergeant Bickley said.

Senior Sergeant Bickley asked parents to be aware of where their children are during the holiday period.

“I have teenagers of my own and I know it’s a holiday time and our young people will want to get together to enjoy that time – that’s only natural,” he said.

“ I just ask that parents speak with their children about acting responsibly and ensure they are aware of where their children are and who they are with.

“If they are under the age of 18, then they are children and may not have the ability that adults have to make wise decisions, especially if they become alcohol affected.

“I would say a chat with your son or daughter before they go out is so much better than having a chat with a police officer later in the day due to a poor decision being made.”

Senior Sergeant Bickley said local police will also be monitoring road users over the holiday period as part of a state wide policing response to reduce road trauma.

“If you need police because you are aware something is happening that may require police quickly, then call 000,” Senior Sergeant Bickley said.

“This allows police to get to what is occurring as quickly as possible and deal with the incident. A call to 000 may help stop a crime occurring so don’t be afraid to call.

“If something has occurred that does not require police to be there quickly, such as someone finding lost property or have realised that someone has damaged your letter box overnight for example, then call the Police Assistance Line on 131444.”