Geelong’s Mayor is calling for a permanent Protective Services Officer (PSO) presence in the city’s CBD.
Locals have seen an increased number of police officers and PSOs out in force across central Geelong, with Operation Pulse patrols ramped up for school holidays.
While the Operation has been welcomed by Council, Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said bad behaviour will likely resume once it concludes.
“As soon as that ends the trouble will continue and will spike, so we’ve got to get ahead of the curve,” he said.
“Time and time again, we’ve seen violence, anti-social behaviour, theft, vandalism and public disorder, particularly around the Moorabool Street bus interchange.
“Whilst the bus interchange is in Moorabool Street, we need permanent PSOs to support the community.
“It really is significantly, adversely affecting retail and hospitality in the CBD, and it’s just making the place look and feel very unsafe.”
