Warrnambool City Council cut funding for late night security guards at the rank, which has drawn the ire of a taxi company. 13 CABS Warrnambool said the safety of its drivers and the public were at risk.

Senior Sergeant Shane Keogh said CCTV had helped reduce crime in the area and Saturday night punters would still be safe.

“To reassure the public, we will be there on duty, not at the rank but on Timor Street and around Gilles Street,” Senior Sergeant Keogh said.

“One big improvement to the area over the past six years is the CCTV cameras. That was implemented in consultation with the council and police and we have seen assaults in that area decrease by about 35 per cent.

“The CCTVs were put in as a pro-active measure and they are working.”

 Senior Sergeant Keogh said the security guards had done a great job over the past 15 years.

“Is it time to try something else or revamp it? It's gone down in crime,” he said.

“If it works – good. Or if it doesn’t we will review it in three months and something else might come back.”

Senior Sergeant Keogh urged the community to be responsible for their own actions.

“We ask for orderly behaviour by the community,” he said.

“Responsibility comes back on everyone, not just the police, the council or publicans. We all want to be able to go out, have a good night and get home safely.” 

Inspector Paul Marshall warned there would still be eyes on the taxi rank. 

“Don’t think because there isn’t a guard there we won’t be watching,” he said. 

Comments on The Standard’s Facebook page opposed the removal of guards, with the majority in favour of security staying.