Blitz on Bad Behaviour

Police were out in force in Nambour last week following complaints about anti-social behaviour and public nuisance offences.

For the second time this month police patrolled the CBD, Quota Park and the train station in a move that has encouraged local businesses.

Nambour Acting Senior Sergeant Peter McNamara said officers had received complaints about disorderly, abusive and offensive behaviour, as well as fights, stealing and other general bad behaviour in shared spaces.

Patrols focussed on known Nambour hotspots, the CBD, train station and Quota Park.

Sergeant McNamara said police would maintain increased presence over the school holidays.

Maroochydore and Nambour policing units and the Brisbane Railway Squad conducted the operation.

It was a repeat of a similar response earlier this month which resulted in 10 arrests and 21 charges being laid.

New member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said he “absolutely” supported police action to curb and control anti-social behaviour and crime. He welcomed an increased high profile police  presence in Nambour CBD and congratulated officers for remaining mindful of homelessness.

“Our CBD must not only be safe and welcoming, but appear to be as well. Nambour has seen an increased exposure to homelessness and poverty due to Covid-19, and so I urge police to be mindful that homelessness does not necessarily equate to criminal intent.”

Business owners were grateful for the action. Marisa Page from Nambour News and Casket, who was held at knife-point in an armed robbery earlier this year, said everyone understood that vulnerable people needed support.

“(But) we have witnessed some very anti-social, nuisance behaviour over the past two years and it is a very welcome sight to see police presence in the CBD.  Nambour is a  great town with lots of potential and we would like to see everyone — local or visitor — to be safe and enjoy what our town has to offer. Thanks to police for all the assistance we have received over the past two years.”

Nambour Chamber of Commerce 

mmediate past president Timothy Smith said the police operations were encouraging. “I extend my support to all of those involved. Reducing the instance of anti-social behaviour, which has been a concern for the community for some time now, is another positive in the revitalization of the town.

“I am sure that the work that is now being completed by all of the government and NFP organizations is wholeheartedly supported by the Nambour Chamber of Commerce.”

Businessman Andrew Pitcher maintains Nambour is on the brink of an economic bounce-back. He said the community was delighted to see the increased police presence because law and order was imperative to prosperity. “Everyone has a right to feel safe in their home town,” he said. “Operations like this increase confidence for businesses, their staff and customers, and if it’s good for business it’s good for Nambour.

“No one is saying we should lock everyone up and throw away the key but the reality is that police on the beat are the best way to maintain behaviour and law and order, for everyone’s sake. Well done to Queensland Police Service. Please keep the patrols coming.”

Welcome sight ... Nambour police Senior Constable Brett Kamler, Acting Sergeant Tegan Grasso and Senior Constable Adam Humphries patrolling the CBD.