17 people were arrested during a joint operation between Victoria Police and Crown Security Services concentrated on multi-level carparks in the Southbank Precinct.
Operation Zenith was formed after intelligence showed thefts from cars have more than doubled in these carparks when compared with the previous year.
In addition to this, intelligence also indicated around 70% of car break ins and almost half of all cars stolen weren't reported to police.
During the nighttime weekend operation, police arrested people allegedly responsible for vehicle crime, a violent nearby store robbery, and performing indecent acts in the venue's carpark.
Police understand most thefts have been occurring overnight, with thieves looking for unlocked doors or windows to gain access to vehicles.
Among those arrested during the weekend operation were:
- Two prolific car thieves who were located in one of the multi-level car parks. Both men were arrested in relation to outstanding warrants and whereabouts.
- Nine youths were also arrested after an alleged robbery at a liquor store on Flinders Street. The alleged incident occurred at about 10.15pm on Saturday 20 July, when it was reported two boys entered a liquor store and began assaulting the store attendant. The employee sought refuge behind the counter, when it's alleged a larger group of youths entered the shop and stole more than 20 bottles of alcohol. Through the monitoring of the Safe City Network, officers working Operation Zenith were nearby and able to locate and arrest nine people, ranging in ages from 21 to 15. Two of those arrested were charged with robbery and were bailed to appear at court at a later date, including a 21-year-old from Preston and a 17-year-old from the eastern suburbs. Four are expected to be charged on summons, and the remaining three were released pending further investigation.
- One man was arrested after police located him inside his vehicle in the basement of one of the car parks. A search of the vehicle uncovered several allegedly stolen numberplates and a quantity a small quantity of drugs.
- Three people were also arrested for indecent behaviour, including urinating in public and sexual activity in a vehicle in a multi-level car park.
There were no thefts from cars reported at Southbank's multi-level car parks during the operation.
Operation Zenith ran from 18-20 July throughout the evenings. Police will continue to run operations to target car thieves in Melbourne, as well as regular patrols of Southbank car parks and other populated areas in the city.
Anyone with information about criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
If you have been the victim of a theft, this should be reported to police via the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Always call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Quotes attributable to Melbourne East Local Area Commander, Inspector Dale Huntington:
"We have seen a sharp increase in cars being broken into at Southbank multi story carparks, hence our dedicated operation last week and ongoing patrols."
"A range of different offenders were arrested during this operation, which aimed to ensure those coming to enjoy the city continue to feel safe.
"Unfortunately, some people fall victim to these opportunistic crimes because cars are left unlocked or valuables are left out, so we'd like to remind everyone to always ensure your vehicle is locked, especially when parking at a car park.
"We will continue to target this offending and patrol key areas to arrest thieves, prevent opportunistic crimes and keep everyone and their valuables safe."
