The Mackay Whitsunday Police District can expect to see a surge of police in the area as Operation Whiskey Legion commences its 10-day deployment from today.
The major multi-level operation aimed at reducing crime across Queensland communities has seen positive results in five districts since it commenced on April 2, with a total of 1,420 people charged with 3,389 offences to date.
Throughout the operation, police have conducted more than 1,345 hot spot patrols, more than 737 wanding operations and more than 374 bail/curfew compliance checks.
Operation Whiskey Legion will see specialist police from Highway Patrol, Crime and Intelligence Command, Rail Squad, Water Police, Dog Squad and Crime Prevention supporting frontline officers to prevent crime and take strong action against high-risk crime and serious repeat offenders.
Central Region Assistant Commissioner Chris Hodgman said the extra resources in Legion will enhance local enforcement capabilities to reduce crime and strengthen community safety.
“Through enhancing police presence on our roads and in key hot spot areas, such as safe night precincts, shopping centres, and transport hubs, our aim is to tackle crime from all angles to ensure community safety,” Assistant Commissioner Hodgman said.
“Specialist officers embedded in the District will work with our local officers to take strong action against those causing the most harm in our communities.”
Acting Deputy Commissioner Special Operations Brian Connors said the statewide operation has already seen significant results across its previous five deployments.
“Operation Whiskey Legion has resulted in more than 1,420 arrests and 3,389 charges in the past two months across South-East Queensland,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Connors said.
“In cracking down on youth crime, the operation has seen more than 264 juveniles charged with more than 766 offences.
“The surge capacity has also allowed police to engage with and support more than 2,351 victims of crime.”
Mackay Whitsunday District Officer Superintendent Graeme Paine said the rolling operations will support the great work of local officers in reducing crime throughout the area.
“The surge of police joining local officers will focus on targeting areas where we are experiencing heightened criminal activity,” Superintendent Paine said.
“The operation will look to target high risk areas of crime, including stolen vehicles, assaults, robberies and domestic and family violence.
“We have seen success across other operations such as Operation Whiskey Unison and Taskforce Guardian, and we look forward to seeing what we will achieve with Legion over the next ten days.”
