Operation Medicine begins this week in an effort to reduce rising crime rates in Kwinana, in particular burglary, stealing and anti-social behaviour.
Kwinana has had an 85 per cent increase in stealing offences since last June and an 18 per cent increase in burglary offences, according to Kwinana officer-in-charge Sgt Glen Willers.
He told the Courier the operation would put more officers on the streets in the evening and late at night.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWDuring the operation, which will run until the end of next month, residents could expect additional officers on the streets, covert policing and police dogs in high-crime identified areas.
‘The increase in stealing offences has been predominantly petty thefts, which indicates to police that it is juvenile offenders,’ he said.
‘It is no longer acceptable for children as young as 10 to be on the streets at night time and police will be targeting those who are roaming on the streets late at night.
‘It is frustrating for police because the city has worked so hard to introduce activities for children and teenagers including The Zone and the skate park, but some kids are still complaining that they are bored.’
Sgt Willers said police would assess Operation Medicine at the end of next month to assess its effectiveness.