Fight against violence

A high visibility policing operation took place on Oxford Street during the weekend in a bid to reduce ongoing homophobic violence that has gripped the entertainment strip in recent years.

Surry Hills Police placed command buses at intervals along Oxford St last Friday and Saturday nights.

Officers were joined by staff from ACON’s anti-violence project.

While the level of homophobic violence has been decreasing in the area, Surry Hills Commander Supt Anthony Crandell said police were taking action.

“We will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our GLBTI community to display unity and reinforce our joint commitment to drive down homophobic crimes of prejudice and violence,” he said.

“What better place to promote understanding, acceptance of differences, and rejection of homophobia, intolerance and violence than in the heartland of our GLBTI community.”

Acting ACON CEO Geoff Honnor said the operation was an extension of earlier collaborations.

“This is highly visible way of demonstrating that the GLBT community is working with police to increase the level and sense of safety experienced by GLBT people and we thank all contributors to this initiative for their time and effort,” he said.

“During Mardi Gras this year, ACON and the Surry Hills Local Area Command collaborated successfully on the first series of these community engagement exercises, so it’s great to see this collaboration being further developed.”