POLICE have recorded a radical drop in “pre-schoolie” holiday crime on Straddie, with drinking-related offences down 35 per cent.
Police and business people were elated with the result, which came after a concerted campaign to cut juvenile crime in the traditional September school holiday trouble period.
Officer-in-charge at Dunwich station, Acting Senior Sergeant Jai Taylor, said an informal count revealed police issued about 45 liquor infringement notices, down from the 76 handed out last year.
“The incidences have been considerably lowered through a coordinated approach,” he said.
“We noticed juveniles were a lot more positive this year and children were compliant with curfews and good with police.”
Large gatherings of unsupervised and alcohol-filled teens at the island once meant the spring break was known as “September schoolies”, with some holidaymakers driven away the island.
However, Straddie Chamber of Commerce chairman Colin Battersby said this year had been different, with more young families and fewer revellers visiting.
Mr Battersby, whose real estate agency rents out short-stay accommodation, said the island experienced one of its busiest holiday seasons yet, with short-term rental units, houses, motels and camping sites booked out by an estimated up to 5000 visitors.
The boom followed calls by police, made at a community meeting held before the holidays, for residents to report instances of noisy and anti-social behaviour. Police also sent letters warning parents of tough penalties for out-of-control parties to schools and real estate agencies.
Mr Battersby said it was clear the approach worked. “We have had zero problems, which has been terrific,” he said.
Mr Battersby said his business’ strict bookings policy, copied by other accommodation providers across the island, had also helped to prevent rowdy behaviour.
He said two responsible adults were required to stay with children or teens booked in, with any guests reprimanded for noisy behaviour by police evicted and blacklisted from the island.
“We have been doing that for years and now other agents have got on board,” Mr Battersby said.
“We just want people to come to Straddie and have a good time and to respect their neighbours.”
