By Alesha Capone
Wyndham police have vowed to adopt a “zero-tolerance” approach to anti-social behavior such as public brawls.
Senior Sergeant Aaron Riches said frontline police had ramped up efforts to issue infringement notices for street crimes.
He said offenders could face a fine of $645 for throwing a punch, starting a fight, disorderly conduct or spitting, or a fine of $322 for using threatening words or failing to move on when directed.
“We’re trying to get ahead of a behavioural curve that’s occurring in Wyndham,” he said.
“That behavioural curve is related to a preparedness by youth aged 16 to 19 to basically commit a range of street offending, with a perception that they can do so without facing any ramifications.
“But people need to be held accountable for their behaviour. If you’re prepared to throw a punch and start a brawl in a public place, we [police] are not prepared to use discretion.”
Senior Sergeant Riches said police in Wyndham were “starting to see a few incidents where that preparedness to fight is occurring”.
“We saw this as an opportunity to send a message that this is the kind of behavior where we’re going to adopt a zero-tolerance approach going forward,” he said.
Senior Sergeant Riches said some people who behaved in an anti-social manner required help from mental health, drug or alcohol treatment services, but many others behaved in a “totally abhorrent” way because they believed they could get away with it.
Senior Sergeant Riches said police were also doing presentations at local schools, talking about the ramifications that unlawful behaviour could have on future employment and travel.
“Ultimately, we want people to think twice,” he said.
