Brimbank police are cracking down on public drinking and antisocial behaviour in Sunshine’s central business district.
Police have joined forces with Brimbank council, the Sheriff’s department and welfare support services for Operation Pendant, which started last week and will wrap up at the end of this week.
Senior Sergeant Greg Hinton says the high-visibility operation is targeting public drinking, low-level assaults, traffic compliance for drivers and pedestrians, and parking and littering issues across Sunshine CBD with a particular focus on Sunshine railway station and the RT Pollard Gardens.
“There are some areas where groups of people tend to congregate and drink,” Senior Sergeant Hinton said.
“It’s not driving the crime in the area, but it is an area of concern.
“The operation is more about engaging with the community and being proactive.”
Meanwhile, Brimbank council and the Sunshine Business Association have used a $20,000 state government grant to install lights under shop awnings at nine businesses along Clarke Street and at the rear of businesses backing onto McDonald Lane and Mann Place.
Business association president Bruce White predicts the lighting upgrades will improve business in Sunshine by making people feel safer at night.
“It will improve safety for people leaving work after dark, discourage undesirable activity in the area and help create a night-time culture where people feel they can shop and dine,” Mr White said.
