Dozens of additional officers from across Victoria Police will be deployed to the CBD each day throughout December, as millions of people are set to visit Melbourne over the festive period.
Victoria Police will maintain a consistently strong presence over this period, with extra resources set to be deployed from the Public Order Response Team, Mounted Branch, Transit police, State Highway Patrol and Crime Command to support local police.
Multiple operations are planned during this period, targeting key issues in the CBD such as weapons related offending, retail theft, anti-social behaviour, traffic offences involving e-scooters/food deliver drivers, and those experiencing homelessness.
Police will be saturating some of Melbourne's busiest areas, including Elizabeth Street, Flinders Street, Melbourne Central, Spencer and Swanston Street, as part of these operations.
In addition to this, Melbourne will also be declared a designated area for the next six months - the first area to receive this declaration for this length of time under the recent changes to the Control of Weapons Act.
To declare a designated area, there must be either an extensive history of weapon related offending in the area, or police intelligence that indicates this measure will prevent likely offending.
In a designated area, police will have additional powers to either search a person without a warrant - by using an electronic wand, asking them to remove items from any bags/pockets and outer clothing, or be given a 'pat down' search.
Weapons search operations in the CBD earlier this year have led to the seizure of a significant number of edged weapons - preventing community harm.
Transit police and PSOs will also be patrolling Melbourne's busy transport hubs, including Flinders Street, Melbourne Central and Southern Cross each day and night to ensure the safety of commuters.
Some of the planned operations throughout December are an extension of targeted work being undertaken by local police all year.
One of these operations - Operation Stand - has led to the arrest of over 180 retail thieves for more than 1,130 offences at retail stores across Melbourne and Yarra.
Those who were arrested were allegedly responsible for thefts of luxury clothes, handbags, jewellery, beauty products, electronics and liquor totalling more than $780,000.
This dedicated team of police engages daily with major retailers to identify thieves targeting stores across the city and Yarra.
Police have also issued over 400 fines to those riding dangerously on e-bikes, e-scooters and bikes across city, as well providing more than 6,000 offers of assistance to those sleeping rough or begging in the city.
Melbourne CBD will be declared a designated area from 30 November to 29 May. Further information can be found at police.vic.gov.au/public-notices.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations, Bob Hill:
"With millions of people expected to visit Melbourne for the festive season, major events and summer holidays, police are well prepared to ensure visitors to the city feel safe.
"We understand some recent incidents in the city have concerned the community - it concerns police as well.
"We want to provide the community with confidence to come and enjoy the city during what is an exciting and vibrant time of year."
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Divisional Commander, Superintendent Zorka Dunstan:
"We have been planning for some time to ensure the city is safe and enjoyable for all during the festive period.
"This bolstered response will complement our ongoing work to ensure safety in the city.
"Whether it be at major events, shopping centres or at our busy transport hubs - you can expect to see police on bikes, in cars and on foot to keep you safe."
