Acting Superintendent Graham Banks, who took up a posting in Ballarat earlier this year after having worked in Geelong, said offending often decreased when a shopping strip was popular with residents.

His comments come as police prepare to ramp up foot and bicycle patrols across Bridge Mall and the Little Bridge Street car park from the first week of December following widespread public safety concerns.

“Greater numbers of people does tend to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve feelings of safety,” Acting Superintendent Banks said. 

“But whether this is best achieved through opening the area to vehicle traffic is really a matter for council, traders and the broader community to consider. 

“There are pros and cons to both models and I think there is still an opportunity to encourage greater patronage (in Bridge Mall) without cars.”

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Whatever the outcome, Acting Superintendent Banks is well experienced in dealing with crime in malls.

Similar to Ballarat’s Bridge Mall, Geelong’s Little Malop Street Mall has been beset with anti-social behaviour in recent years.

In February, Geelong High School teachers reportedly told their students to avoid going to Little Malop Street Mall over fears of drug use and assaults.

This year, there have been several incidents around Bridge Mall that have attracted media attention, such as when a couple with disabilities were verbally abused in May.

But events such as the monthly Bridge Mall Farmer's Market help discourage this kind of behaviour, according to Acting Superintendent Banks.

He said he would draw on his experience of working with traders around Geelong’s mall and apply those skills in Ballarat.

“Yes, there are some parallels between the two and the key from my perspective is for all stakeholders to continue to look for ways that attract people to the area,” Acting Superintended Banks said.

“Like all public spaces, policing issues often evaporate when the area is well patronised. 

“Initiatives such as the farmers market, which attract a broad section of the community, have been well received and discourage anti-social behaviour from occurring.”

A young Ballarat man who was randomly bashed at the Little Bridge Street car park has called for increased security around the Bridge Mall precinct.

Daniel Michell (above) and his friend, both 19, were sitting in a car when a group of men set upon them about 1.20am last Tuesday.

Mr Michell has now spoken out in the hope something is done to improve safety around Bridge Mall.

“There needs to be more security around that area, we were even told by police that spot is a bad area to be around at that time so even they know,” he said.

“I’m shaken up more than anything, concerned for my mate’s safety because he was with me when it happened and he was hurt pretty bad.”