WA Police have launched their summer enforcement campaign – Operation Celsius – two weeks earlier than usual and it will also include volume crime offending and anti-social behaviour until February 5.
Police commissioner Karl O’Callaghan said WA Police would strike earlier this summer with a strategy to get ahead of the seasonal spike in crime and traffic offending.
“We have decided to try something different. To start before ‘double demerits’ kicks in and with a more co-ordinated policing effort,” he said.
“While not every road use is a criminal, all criminals are road users and this strategy will use the combined might of WA Police to exploit that.”
Operation Celsius will focus on road offences linked to fatal and serious crashes, burglary, stealing, theft and family violence as well as anti-social behaviour particularly in entertainment precincts and at planned events.
Specialist officers will support the efforts of local police by targeting related crimes such as illicit drug dealing in the suburbs.
“State traffic will conduct random alcohol and drug testing, using number plate recognition technology and flooding neighbouring streets.”
Meanwhile, the state crime’s meth team and local police will target the houses frequented by prolific offenders with specialist support from mounted and canine units.
Traffic resources will also be deployed to key regional locations this festive season to support local operations.
“Summer is a fantastic time for West Australians but it is also when we are most at risk of becoming victims of crime, anti-social behaviour or traffic tragedy,” he said.
