Drinking, driving and theft offences will be proactively targeted by the Port's police throughout the summer holiday season.
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The Port Stephens-Hunter Police District's crime manager, Detective Inspector Ranald Urquhart, warned residents and visitors to the area that there will be more police patrolling the roads as well as licensed venues and typically crowded spaces to "ensure everyone's safety".
"One of the things we're driving very strongly in the district this summer holiday is drinking responsibly," he said.
"There will be a lot of extra police out on the roads. Police will be visible and conducting random breath tests throughout the holiday period. Drink driving is a crime and it's something we take very seriously.
"We will have a strong focus on alcohol-related crimes this summer, particularly in licensed premises. We're working very closely with licensees of the different premises in the district and have rostered on a lot of extra police to conduct licensed venue inspections. If people are playing up, police will take action.
"There will be no tolerance for people carrying on around licence premises."
The annual road safety police operation run across Christmas and New Year's will run from midnight on December 24 to midnight on January 3.
Double demerits will apply for speeding, helmet, seat belt and mobile phone offences.
Port Stephens police will also be proactively patrolling public spaces throughout summer including beaches, beach car parks and shopping centres and targeting theft.
Detective Inspector Urquhart said police typically received increased reports of theft from motor vehicles and the beaches at this time of year and reminded people to lock their cars, not leave valuables in plain sight or take them to the beach.
"We've seen an increase in the last month in property theft from holiday parks, bicycles in particular. People are leaving property out and opportunistic thieves are coming in and stealing things," he said.
"I would encourage residents and anyone who is holidaying in Port Stephens to secure their property, particularly bikes, fishing gear, anything that is easily transportable."
In addition to the annual holiday messages around responsible drinking, staying patient on the roads and "look after your mates", Detective Inspector Urquhart added that this year the public needed to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions.
"We still have to be very much aware of COVID. We still have to socially distance ourselves and wash our hands because this virus is still here and we don't want to spread it to Port Stephens."
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
