New powers help police in fight against crime

By Tania Martin
Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said Knox O-Zone had been declared a designated area.
This means police now have the power to issue a notice banning a person for up to 24 hours from licensed premises within that area if they suspect a person has committed certain offences in that area.
Mr Robinson said police needed to be able to take swift and immediate action to address alcohol-related crime and violence around licensed venues.
“The power to ban troublemakers from venues or entire precincts helps police to quickly prevent crimes before they occur,” he said.
Under the new powers, police can also apply for a court order that the ban remain in force for up to 12 months if a person is found guilty of committing a specified offence in the area.
Offences warranting banning notices include physical assault, sexual offences, threats to kill, property damage, drunkenness, offensive or obscene behaviour, failure to leave licensed premises and weapons offences.
Mr Robinson said keeping Victorian streets safe was a priority for the State Government.
“These new powers allow people to have a good time and enjoy themselves but give police the power to crack down on troublemakers,” he said.
Mr Robinson said Knox O-Zone was declared a designated area after a request from local police and consultation with local businesses.
These new police powers are the latest measure taken to reduce the social and economic impact of alcohol-related crime and violence.