Influx of police helps to keep Melbourne's CBD safe

The doubling of the police footprint in Melbourne’s CBD over the last month has led to 55 swift arrests for robberies, assaults and thefts while helping to prevent further crime and improve community safety.

Since late March, the number of police officers patrolling Melbourne’s CBD has almost doubled each day as part of Operation Harmony, with public safety and amenity issues in the city a key focus.

Operation Harmony has proven instrumental in promptly apprehending offenders, preventing crime and improving safety, with officers saturating the city’s footpaths, roads, train stations and retail areas.

The operation commenced on 22 March and has led to:

• 55 arrests for robberies, assaults, thefts and anti-social behaviour
• Nearly 370 fines, predominantly for unsafe e-scooters and e-bike use including riding on the footpath and using a mobile phone while riding
• Engaged with nearly 13,800 people in the city including traders, visitors and residents about local issues
• Received over 130 pieces of information to assist with ongoing investigations

The majority of arrests relate to police immediately responding to reports of robberies, assaults or thefts and being able to swiftly intervene.

The arrests include:

• On 15 April, an employee was allegedly threatened with a knife by a woman at a convenience store on Spencer Street. The woman allegedly stole confectionary and then left the store. Officers assigned to Operation Harmony immediately responded. The woman was arrested on the corner of Spencer and Collins Street a short time later. Police allegedly located the knife and drugs on the woman. She was charged and remanded to appear at court at a later date.

• On 13 April, a 15-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl were approached by three others outside of a store at a shopping centre on La Trobe and Elizabeth Streets. The alleged trio made demands for their phones with one producing a knife, before one of them allegedly punched the 13-year-old girl in the arm. One phone was allegedly stolen as the group fled the area. Police were notified and Operation Harmony officers immediately arrested two teenagers at Town Hall Station a short time later. A 16-year-old male from the Geelong area was charged with armed robbery and was directly presented to court. The other teen arrested, a 13-year-old girl was released pending further enquiries.

Operation Harmony, which is set to run for the foreseeable future, will focus on the following key themes:

• Anti-social behaviour around Flinders Street Railway Station and Elizabeth Street
• Retail crime around Bourke Street Mall and Melbourne Central
• Safe use of e-scooters and e-bikes around Little Bourke and Swanston Streets
• Cars being broken into in multi-level carparks
• Engaging with those experiencing homelessness and linking them in with relevant support services

These are among the most common issues raised with police by those visiting, living and working in the city.

The daily commitment to bolster CBD resourcing is primarily achieved by sourcing staff from state-based specialist units, as well as reallocating local Melbourne-based police from administrative tasks such as reception counters, to the frontline.

Local police and officers from the Public Order Response Team, Transit Safety Division, Highway Patrol, Proactive Policing Unit and Mounted Branch are all deployed to the CBD as part of the operation.

If anyone has information about crime in Melbourne, this can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

If you wish to report a crime but don’t need immediate police attendance, contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or via www.police.vic.gov.au

In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).

Quotes attributable to North West Metro Region Acting Commander Belinda Jones:

“The bolstered police presence is helping to improve safety across the city.

“CBD businesses and locals are regularly telling us they are feeling safer since Operation Harmony began.

“This operation highlights our commitment to ensure the safety for those coming into the city.

“We will continue to deploy our police to areas where they are needed most, to prevent crime and help resolve issues concerning the community.”

Media Unit

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