The operation was part of a series that will be carried out in the Sanctuary Point area.

Yesterday’s operation was in the morning, but police will carry out further high-visibility operations at night.

Officers walked up and down the Sanctuary Point shopping precinct and spoke to residents and shopkeepers.

Inspector Bill Carter said the operation was well received.

“People are happy to see us out here,” he said.

Inspector Carter said similar operations had been carried out in the Nowra CBD.

He added the Sanctuary Point operation was in response to an increase in anti-social and illegal behaviour in the area.

“The operation was also an intelligence building one and people gave us information on problems in the area,” he said.

Many residents took the chance to ask for a full-time police presence.

Random breath tests were also carried out.