South West prepares for 10,000 teens due to descend for Leavers this weekend - ‘toolies’ warned to stay away

WA’s top cop says 10,000 teenagers are expected to descend on the South West for leavers on the weekend, with police warning “toolies” to stay away. Official celebrations kick off on Monday next week and will continue until Thursday at The Zone in Dunsborough and at the BeachFest day party held at Meelup Beach. The official events are ticketed. To enter the events, recent school leavers will need to collect their pre-ordered wristbands in Dunsborough, Busselton and Vasse. WA Police commissioner Col Blanch believes the events offer teenagers a “very safe environment” under the watchful eye of volunteers and authorities, including police and paramedics. “We usually have about 10,000 young people head down and enjoy themselves in what I say is a very safe environment run by police and many volunteers, ambos and everyone else,” Mr Blanch told 6PR. “(They are) out there to make sure that the kids enjoy themselves (and) keep the toolies out, as we do. “We’re about looking after those who are leaving school.” Leavers WA events are strictly alcohol, drug, smoking and vape free. Mr Blanch said police working in the South West district last week put in a “monster effort” after charging half a dozen people with 27 offences to help stop any potential distribution of drugs to young people. The targeted operation ahead of Leavers ran across three days last week. Police seized 100 grams of heroin, 70g of cannabis, 20g of cocaine, 40g of methamphetamine and more than $350,000. Officers also seized a sawn-off shotgun, which they allege was stolen during a burglary in February 2015. Mr Blanch said both local police, the regional operations group, drug and firearms squad and proceeds of crime investigators were ensuring teens could have a “great time and that their parents can feel somewhat relieved” about the Leavers’ environment. On the official Leavers WA website, police warn young people that officers can issue a $2000 on the spot fine for anyone seen drinking alcohol in public. “If police suspect you are using, selling or supplying drugs you may be stopped and searched at any time,” the website states. A free Leavers-only bus service will run throughout the South West, which is the only way for attendees to get to and from events. Police say private vehicles will unable to reach the entry points at events and will be turned away. Attendees who walk to the event will not be permitted entry, police said. WA Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said parents should ensure they speak with their children about driving safely in the lead up to Leavers. “Leaving high school is one of the biggest milestones in a young person’s life and Leavers week is a place to unwind and celebrate that milestone,” he said. “But while Leavers events across Busselton, Dunsborough and the South West might be the destination, it’s about making the journey there and home again a safe one. “Plan your trip – know your route, rest stops and estimated arrival time, assign a navigator and a DJ, don’t touch your phone, share the drive if possible and make sure you and your mates are buckled up.” Mr Warner reminded young drivers that under the new Tom’s Law, red P-plate drivers can only travel with one non-immediate family passenger in most circumstances. “Under Red Plate, One Mate laws, red P-plate drivers can only travel with one passenger in their vehicle,” he said. “The rules are there to keep young people safe. Every family deserves to have their loved ones home for Christmas.”