The McGowan Government has launched a massive summer crime blitz, providing $5 million in additional funding for increased police patrols around our State this summer.
The operation has been timed to run from December 1 to May 31 to tackle the rise in crime rates historically experienced during the summer period.
Operation Heat Shield will result in a significantly increased police presence in suburban and regional centres across the State and will be on a scale never before seen in Western Australia.
Highly visible police patrols will be stepped up at suburban centres, the Perth CBD and shopping, entertainment and transport hubs, to deter anti-social behaviour and provide reassurance to the public.
The $5 million funding package will enable police to boost the number of shifts and pro-active patrols, by delivering a massive 55,000 additional policing hours.
It will also allow police to do more co-ordinated operations targeting burglary, retail theft and family violence perpetrators.
Mounted section, K-9 unit, Regional Operations Group, Juvenile Action Group, bike and beat patrols will all be part of what will be the most co-ordinated and targeted police blitz the State has seen.
As stated by Police Minister Michelle Roberts:
“We know historically there is a spike in crime over the summer months, so this is about being pro-active and giving the community reassurance.
“Whilst these types of operations have been run in the past, the McGowan Government is providing record funding to ensure a sustained effort by police across the State.
“It’s because of the McGowan Government’s strong financial management, that we’re in a position to provide this unprecedented boost to police operations.
“Compared to the Barnett-Harvey era, overall crime is down and our aim is to continue to cut crime by providing our police with the resources they need.”
