Victoria Police has begun ramping up its presence in the troubled Hargreaves Mall with eight members patrolling the area on Wednesday.
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Four uniformed officers and four Highway Patrol members were in the mall and wider CBD area as part of a combined effort to address community safety and anti-social behaviour.
Acting Senior Sergeant Rod Davis said their presence was a concerted effort to provide reassurance to shoppers and traders and also to provide a safe environment for everyone.
“It is disappointing to us that people do feel frightened and are upset about what does happen here from time to time,” he said.
The shopping strip has been plagued by anti-social behaviour in recent times, with both police and the City of Greater Bendigo receiving complaints from the public.
Acting Senior Sergeant Davis said police were working closely with the council and the traders’ association to find a solution to the problem that had been with them for quite some time.
“It’s about what our long-term plans will be to help people confidently shop without being harassed,” he said
Police Minister Lisa Neville is expected to visit the city in the coming weeks to create a solution for community safety in the mall.
Protective Service Officers is one idea expected to be discussed and police have previously suggested better CCTV coverage would help.
Acting Senior Sergeant Davis said in the meantime people could expect regular patrols from all policing units.
“We will be dealing with the anti-social behaviour. We will not tolerate it and they will be dealt with,” he said.
Pedestrian safety was also in the spotlight on Wednesday with the four Highway Patrol members patrolling crossings as part of the ongoing operation Red Man Three.
Sergeant Mick McCrann said pedestrians were over-represented in crash statistics in Bendigo.
“We are out in full uniform encouraging people to do the right thing,” he said.
“While most people have, it is disappointing to see a number of people continue to walk between moving vehicles rather than use the pedestrian crossings provided.”
Sergeant McCrann said pedestrians were predominately at fault, but not always, with a 41-year-old Long Gully driver failing to pay attention and nearly running over a pedestrian at the Hargreaves Mall crossing.
“We ask pedestrians and motorists to obey the road rules, be safe when crossing the busy road systems in Bendigo and use lights when they are provided,” he said.