Mandurah police have welcomed an experienced officer as their new chief, who is passionate about engaging local youth and tackling anti-social behaviour.
With more than 30 years of policing experience under his belt, Senior Sergeant Rob Lewis said he was ready to lead by example.
Senior Sergeant Lewis has worked across the greater Perth region as far north as Three Springs, east to Northam, and centrally in Perth and Fremantle.
The father-of-three, who has lived in Mandurah for 11 years, started his new role on Monday.
Senior Sergeant Darren Hart departed the position in September, transitioning to officer in charge of the Perth police station.
Senior Sergeant Lewis said he would continue the district's focus on tackling crime in the Mandurah CBD.
"I'm committed to our operations around Mandurah tackling crime and anti-social behaviour - that's the big one at the moment," he said.
"I have a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour."
Operation Sky Kite, which is measured in three-month periods, has been running on and off over the past few years in response to a series of serious incidents in Smart Street Mall.
The operation includes increased foot patrols of the CBD at nighttime and during busy periods.
An operation commenced in June after a handful of high-profile incidents in Smart Street Mall including a stabbing, the assault of an elderly man setting up his market stall, and an out-of-control brawl captured on video.
Senior Sergeant Lewis said he was passionate about working with young people in Mandurah.
"The WA Police commissioner (Chris Dawson) has expanded the Youth Policing Division so there is an opportunity for us to delve into that space" he said.
"I think there is a lot of work that can be done in partnership with other organisations around youth with programs and services. To see what diversion programs are available to stop youth falling into the system."
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
