THERE'S a new inspector in town.
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Inspector John Klepczarek started at Bowral Police Station in September and said he was blown away by the level of community support he had received.
"There's not been a week go by where a member of the community hasn't come in with a box of chocolates or to say thank you," he said.
"It's not expected and I'm very humbled by it."
It's a level of community interaction that Insp. Klepczarek wants to continue to foster, including utilising the beautiful green courtyard out the back.
"Next Tulip Time we plan to open the police station to the public and do things like bring kids in to read," he said.
"It's their police station."
Insp Klepczarek, like his staff, lives in the Highlands and said it was part of why he wanted to make the area as safe as possible.
"They do care about policing and they are very good at catching criminals, but at the same time we have to be grateful the crime rates are so low," he said.
"There is some anti-social behaviour, but not a lot because the community is so willing to speak up.
"We won't tolerate crime here."
Each day members of Bowral Police bring one or two people through the dock, which Insp Klepczarek said continued the message that crime won't be tolerated.
His other focus is on alcohol related crimes.
"People need to be aware that it is an offence to be drunk on a licensed premises," he said.
"Gone are the days of going to a pub or club to get drunk.
"When you're told enough is enough, go.
"If you fail to quit a licensed premises it's a $550 on-the-spot fine and if you refuse, you will be arrested."
Insp Klepczarek said he preached everything in moderation.
"We don't want to be kill joys or stop people having fun," he said.
"This stance is for the opposite reason. "We want to see families in licensed premises and young ladies who feel comfortable because they're not being harassed by drunken idiots."
If anyone has any questions or issues, Insp Klepczarek said they were welcome to come forward at the police station and ask for him.
"Otherwise, just keep doing what you're doing," he said.
"Go out into the community and enjoy yourselves."
