MORE police—deployed to specifically target anti-social and aggressive behaviour in Fremantle’s CBD—are set to hit streets within a month.

It’s part of a plan by new Fremantle officer-in-charge Kellie Taylor, who replaced Darren Wynne last month, to clean up the city. She is also determined to speed up response times to distress calls. After talking with Fremantle council, Snr Sgt Taylor is promising to ramp up daytime squads who conduct Operation Peyton — an ongoing daily patrol of four officers who target crime and antisocial behaviour. She’ll make a specific commitment after a full assessment of the personnel at her disposal.

She said the move came after talks with Fremantle council staff who highlighted inadequate response times and a need for visible presence of police.

“People want to see a police presence and feel safe,” says Snr Sgt Taylor, who transferred in from Northbridge.

She says Kings Square and the train station precinct are hotspots.

People disturbing the peace can expect to be issued a ”move on order”, banning them from the area for 24 hours.

by EMMIE DOWLING