The number of police officers patrolling Melbourne's CBD will almost double each day, as Victoria Police targets key public safety and amenity issues in the city.
The latest iteration of Operation Harmony, which commenced this week, will deliver a noticeable daily increase in police visibility in the CBD.
As part of this operation, roaming police patrols will occur on the city's footpaths, roads, train stations, retail areas, and other key locations.
Local police and officers from the Public Order Response Team, Transit Safety Division, Highway Patrol, Proactive Policing Unit and Mounted Branch will all be used as part of this operation.
Operation Harmony was first conducted in December last year, with police receiving extremely positive feedback from the community and local businesses.
Over the course of the month, police arrested 66 people, issued more than 470 penalty notices and made almost 20 referrals linking people with a support service.
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.
Victoria Police's daily commitment to bolster CBD resourcing will be primarily achieved by sourcing staff from state-based specialist units.
Theft offences remain the most prominent crime in Melbourne, accounting for nearly half (42%) of all offending.
Violent crimes are less common, with crimes against the person accounting for around 15% of all offences in the city.
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:
"Victoria Police has been very clear that we want to have more police out in the community preventing crime.
"This is another example of officers being deployed based on the latest intelligence and most importantly, to resolve issues that are concerning our community.
"Violent crimes in the CBD are uncommon when you consider tens of millions of people pass through Melbourne each year.
"Operation Harmony will aim to increase this perception of safety for residents, visitors and workers in the city.
"Police have a clear list of priorities in the CBD, which have been informed by our conversations with these people.
"The first iteration of this operation, which saw police stationed in different CBD locations, led to positive feedback from the community.
"We are confident the operation which commenced this week will deliver similar results, as teams of frontline and specialist police roam sectors of the city preventing crime and quickly arresting anyone causing harm."
