CRIME WAVE ROCKS MELBOURNE SHOPPING CENTRES: Teen Thugs, Knife Fights, and Brazen Thieves Bring Chaos to City’s Malls
- A 15-year-old boy caught with a hunting knife stashed in his waistband is just one of the shocking arrests made in a massive crackdown on Melbourne shopping centres
- Police have seized a staggering 30 weapons, including a baton, knuckle dusters, and knives, in just three weeks of Operation Pulse
- More than 100 people have been arrested and 217 offences recorded, with 75 related to theft and stealing from shops, as police vow to keep shoppers and retail workers safe
Melbourne’s shopping centres have become a breeding ground for crime, with knife fights, brawls, and even runaway stolen vehicles sending shoppers running for cover. But in a bid to restore order, police have launched a massive crackdown, dubbed Operation Pulse, which has already yielded shocking results.
In the first three weeks of the operation, which began on December 8, police have made 109 arrests and seized a staggering 30 weapons, including a baton, knuckle dusters, a dagger, and three knives seized in a single day. The operation will run for 90 days at Northland, Highpoint, Eastland, and Fountain Gate shopping centres.
One of the most alarming arrests was that of a 15-year-old boy, who was caught with a hunting knife stashed in his waistband. Two men were also arrested for fighting with a stolen hammer, while a couple was caught stealing $800 worth of streetwear.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations, Bob Hill, warned that the operation was only just beginning. “With the Boxing Day sales and school holidays underway, Victoria Police is here to keep shoppers and retail workers safe,” he said. “Already we’ve made more than 100 arrests, seized dozens of weapons and moved on a significant number of people intent on causing trouble.”
Mr Hill vowed that police would not stand for those who bring violence, aggression, and weapons to places where people should feel safe. “We will continue to work with our private security partners to ensure that our shopping centres are safe and enjoyable for everyone,” he said.
Police have directed more than 100 people to move on from shopping centres, issuing 41 cautions and 38 penalty notices. The operation is being run in conjunction with private security officers, who are working voluntary shifts that do not impact on existing patrols.