POLICE will be out in force in Charlestown on Thursday night in a bid to stamp out anti-social youth behaviour - but it won't all be a show of force.
A mobile command centre will be set up as a temporary police station in the area as police hit the streets for both enforcement and community outreach in the area.
Lake Macquarie Police District's Superintendent Danny Sullivan said that the shift had coincided with easing coronavirus restrictions and police were keen to take a "broad brush approach", including engaging with parents, Charlestown Square management and other agencies to nip problems in the bud.
While he warned those looking to cause trouble to stay clear or deal with the consequences, the area's top cop said they would use a range of measures.
"We had noticed an increase in anti-social engagement and behaviour around the region, but particularly near the Charlestown shopping precinct and with a high number of young persons being involved," he said.
"It's not perilous, if that makes sense, but that's why we want to get out there and engage proactively now, so that something [more serious] doesn't happen."
Superintendent Sullivan said that a successful night would be if shoppers noticed nothing amiss.
The Charlestown blitz follows pop-up policing across the area that began on Tuesday in suburbs including Morisset, Cardiff, Warners Bay, Mount Hutton, Windale, Gateshead and Charlestown.
Those efforts have included foot patrols, inspections at licenced premises, roadside breath testing and more.
It led to three arrests; one on an outstanding warrant, another on an alleged breach of a court order and a third for a bail offence.
Two infringement notices were issued for consuming alcohol in prohibited zones at Charlestown.
"This sort of crime can be targeted and reduced through active, visible and positive engagement with the community," Superintendent Sullivan said.
"We want to reassure our Lake Macquarie residents that we are listening, and we are watching those who are out to disrupt our community - anti-social and violent behaviour will not be tolerated."
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