Victorians can expect to see more police officers on downtown streets this Christmas.
The Victoria Police Department (VicPD) announced on Dec. 3 that it is ramping up foot patrols in the downtown area in an effort to help protect Victoria businesses.
"Throughout the fall and into winter, officers will be spending dedicated hours walking the downtown core, engaging with businesses to listen to their concerns and provide valuable information, all while continuing to respond to calls for service," VicPD said in a news release. "Officers will continue to prioritize addressing retail theft with increased efforts throughout the holiday season."
This scheme is built upon the success of VicPD's foot patrols last summer and its 2023 Downtown Connect project – a six-week initiative intended to connect police to local business owners while increasing officers' visible presence in the downtown area.
“Our business community is the heart of downtown, and we’re always looking for ways to be more responsive and to help empower them with information," VicPD chief Del Manak said in the same release. "During the busy holiday season especially, we want to ensure they know that we are there for them."
Jeff Bray, the CEO of the Downtown Victoria Business Association – a member-driven organization that promotes downtown businesses, business owners and events – said the group has been calling for increased foot patrols.
"This is very welcome news," he said. "Our members are very supportive of Victoria police and, in particular, really notice a positive change when foot patrols are happening, both in terms of seeing the officers on the beat but also the fact that it reduces some of the street disorder and some of the crime issues."
Bray added that he hopes VicPD's foot patrols are here to stay.
"We would hope that in the future this becomes a permanent part of what Victoria police are resourced to be able to do because we know it makes a difference," said the CEO.
