Almost 100 people have been arrested in an operation targeting antisocial behaviour and public order offences on Chapel Street this year.
Operation Safenight is conducted every Friday and Saturday night along the entertainment precinct to deter and disrupt crime - the equivalent of one a night through the biweekly operation.
7744 policing hours spent on Chapel Street to keep revellers safe.
Since 1 January 2025, 88 people were arrested for offences ranging from assaults and affrays to firearm, weapons and drug possession, theft, criminal damage and failing to move on.
The most arrests were made in August and September - 12 and 13 respectively.
The latest crime data shows overall crime on Chapel Street has only increased by less than one percent in the year ending September 2025.
Assault and assault-related are offences are down 8.3%, and robberies have decreased by a whopping 35%.
Total crimes against the person - which includes robberies and assaults - are down 24%.
Public order offences such as riots, affrays and disorderly conduct are down 17.6%.
Overwhelmingly, the biggest crime on Chapel Street is retail theft, accounting for 28.6% of total crime on the strip.
Police have also assisted in getting people under the influence of alcohol to the sobering up centre, as well as assisting patrons to get home safe, while also targeting drivers under the influence and hoons along Chapel Street.
Arrests of note include:
- On 2 March, security guards at a nightclub on Chapel Street were notified of a man allegedly in possession of a firearm. Public Order Response Team members searched the man and his vehicle, locating an imitation handgun. The 20-year-old was charged with possessing an imitation handgun and was subject to a 12-month diversion program.
- On 12 April two people were allegedly assault during an altercation outside a bar on Commercial Road. Soon after, police arrested three men who were charged with affray and were placed on a 5-month good behaviour bond and fined $500.
- On 24 April, a female patron at a night club on Chapel Street was allegedly found with an electronic stun device. She was charged with possessing a prohibited weapon in a licenced premises and was place on a 9-month Community Correction Order.
- On 27 December, a male was stabbed during an altercation outside a bar in Commercial Road. The knife was located by police and a 25-year-old man from Parkville was arrested soon after fleeing the scene. He was charged with intentionally causing serious injury and using a knife to cause serious injury, and was remanded in custody to reappear in Melbourne Magistrates Court in March 2026.
Operation Safenight involves Prahran, Malvern, St Kilda and South Melbourne Uniform police, the Prahran Divisional Licensing Unit, State Liquor Unit, and the Public Order Response Team.
The effort will continue in 2026.
Quotes attributable to Acting Stonnington Local Area Commander Inspector Nick Densley:
"While it's difficult to predict just how much crime we've prevented purely from our presence on the strip, it is no coincidence that the latest data is showing a huge reduction in assaults and public order offences.
"Overall crimes against the person - including assaults and robberies - are down 24% compared to last year. Overall public order offences - which includes riots and affrays - have decreased by 17.6%.
"Police cannot be everywhere all the time, however, having so many officers ready nearby allows us to respond to incidents in a timely manner when they do occur.
"This operation will continue again every Friday and Saturday night in 2026, so if you're heading out on Chapel Street, you can expect to see us.
"We want everyone to come and enjoy the nightlife that Chapel Street has to offer, but make no mistake: police will not tolerate anyone who sets out to ruin another person's night."
