Seven people arrested in Hobart CBD safety blitz

Published on 12 July 2024

City of Hobart council staff and Tasmania Police joined forces last night, demonstrating a collaborative effort aimed at keeping the community safe.

Inspector John Toohey said the operation demonstrates a shared commitment to community safety in Hobart.

“Hobart Police, Taskforce Saturate and the Dog Handler Unit, worked alongside City of Hobart staff, to provide real time monitoring of CCTV and an increased response capability,” he said.

“As a result of the operation, seven arrests were made, two summonses issued, two people were referred to the drug diversion process and two will be dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.

“Offences included breaching a police family violence order, stealing, unlawful possession of property, possess a dangerous article in a public place, breaching bail, possess a controlled drug or plant and possess thing used to administer a controlled drug.

“As police, we’re focused on keeping people safe and operations like this help us do that.

“We want to highlight the shared responsibility that individuals, authorities and councils have to help us foster a safe and enjoyable environment.

“Collaborative operations like this help make sure Hobart stays a place where everyone can have a good time, safely and responsibly."

Acting Hobart Lord Mayor Dr Zelinda Sherlock said this collaboration with Tasmania Police was important in promoting community safety.

"Our priority is to create a secure and supportive atmosphere in Wellington Court and surrounds, where businesses can thrive, and employees and visitors feel safe," Cr Dr Sherlock said.

"By working closely with Tasmania Police, we aim to foster a sense of community well-being and confidence.

“This safety blitz is a proactive step towards reinvigorating the vibrancy and appeal of Wellington Court. The City of Hobart is dedicated to working alongside local businesses and law enforcement to address any concerns and implement effective solutions for a harmonious public space.

“We encourage everyone to support this initiative by staying vigilant and reporting any incidents to the authorities. Together, we can ensure Wellington Court remains a safe and enjoyable destination for all.”

Results:

• A 51-year-old man was arrested and charged with Breaching a Police Family Violence Order and three counts of breaching bail, he was detained for court.
• A 21-year-old man was arrested and charged with possessing a controlled drug, five counts of contravene a condition of a notice and two counts of breach of bail, he was detained for court.
• A 16-year-old girl was arrested and charged with three counts stealing, possess a controlled drug and bail offences, she was detained for court.
• A 43-year-old man was charged and bailed for possessing a controlled drug and possess a restricted substance.
• A 32-year-old man was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of property and possess a controlled plant product, he was bailed to appear.
• A 41-year-old man will be summonsed for possess a controlled plant product and possess thing used for the administration of a controlled drug.
• A 17-year-old girl has been referred to the drug diversion process after being found in possession of a controlled drug.
• A 14-year-old boy will be dealt with under the Youth Justices Act for two counts of stealing and bail offences.
• A 27-year-old man was charged and bailed for possessing a controlled plant product.
• A 27-year-old man was charged and bailed for six counts of stealing and possess a thing used to administer a controlled drug.
• A 16-year-old girl has been referred to the drug diversion process after being found in possession of a controlled plant product.
• A 42-year-old man has been issued with an infringement notice for possessing liquor in a public place.
• A 29-year-old woman will be summonsed for possess a dangerous article (knife) and possess a controlled drug.
• 11 formal directions to leave the CBD were also issued.