Police are targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour in Civic and and immediate surrounds with a new high-visibility campaign.

Called City Safe, the campaign will focus on policing licensed premises, local businesses and high foot traffic areas in the Civic and Braddon, where every day police respond to assaults, disturbances, drug incidents, property damage, robbery, sexual assault, theft and burglary.

The operation follows concerns raised by local businesses regarding criminal and anti-social behaviour.

ACT police chief Deputy Commissioner Scott Lee said; “Everyone in the community has a right to feel safe, and to see these sorts of incidents occurring on a regular basis in one of the busiest precincts within the ACT is very disappointing.

“Recently, I met with city business owners and operators who raised their concerns about the number of people engaging in criminal and anti-social behaviour.

“Criminal acts and anti-social behaviour significantly impacts the community, affecting their sense of safety within the community.

“Officers attached to the operation will be out and about, engaging with shopkeepers to identify and address incidents as they occur.”