1. Not a good weekend for going on the lash:
ACT Policing will join Australian and New Zealand police forces to present a united stand against alcohol misuse, violence and anti-social behaviour this weekend.
Following the success of last year’s Operation Unite, a strong and focussed police presence will flood the streets of every Australian State and Territory targeting drunks, criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.
“Operation Unite will see a strong, highly visible police presence take to the streets of Canberra, targeting those who are making our communities unsafe through alcohol-related violence,” Chief Police Officer Roman Quaedvlieg said.
“Operations such as this have proven to have an effect on behaviour, all be it short-term. Tackling the issue of alcohol-related violence requires a long-term, multifaceted approach in which Operation Unite is a part of. Targeted campaigns complement our partner agency activities, education initiatives, media and advertising, legislation reforms and our law enforcement efforts.”
Alcohol misuse and related violence and anti-social behaviour is one of the most pressing social challenges of our time and is an Australia-wide problem.
Operation Unite aims to send a strong and clear message – police will not put up with alcohol-related violence, drunken behaviour and other related crime. To change the culture and acceptable standards of behaviour the community must also take action.
“We cannot arrest our way out of this problem. What we need is for people to start taking responsibility for their actions, rather than leaving it up to police to pick up the pieces. We hope over time people will start getting the message and drink responsibly rather than drink simply to get drunk,” CPO Quaedvlieg said.
Leading into the summer months, Operation Unite is a timely reminder that alcohol-related violence in our community will not be tolerated.
“People want to enjoy themselves – all we are asking is that you take responsibility for your own and your friends, family and workmates actions. We would much prefer you get home safely than end up in our Watch House or hospital,” CPO Quaedvlieg said.
The police action will involve overt and covert licensing operations, random breath testing, dog squads and extra police on patrol. Operation Unite starts on Friday 10 September and ends Sunday morning 12 September 2010.
The inaugural Operation Unite blitz against drunken violence held on 11 December 2009 resulted in 45 arrests in the ACT alone, with 33 people were taken into protective custody.
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2. Did you see a jacket on the street in May?
ACT Policing has received new information in relation to the Hughes shooting murder which occurred in the early hours of Monday May 10.
Police are seeking the public’s assistance in relation to a jacket which may have been disposed of on Strickland Crescent or Stonehaven Crescent, Deakin on the morning of the shooting. It is possible the jacket appeared on someone’s front lawn or driveway on the morning of Monday May 10.
Police were called to Whittle Street, Hughes around 12.30am on May 10 in response to a shooting incident. The victim, Mr. Brendan Welsh, was shot in the chest at close range as he sat in the front seat of a Hyundai sedan. He received emergency treatment at the scene by ACT Ambulance but later died.
The alleged offenders have since been arrested and charged.
Police urge anyone who may be able to assist police on the whereabouts of the jacket to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers website on www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information may be provided anonymously
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