A major cross-border police operation led to 16 arrests over the weekend - and at the heart of the action was a unique family connection, with four relatives from Victoria and NSW Police working side-by-side to help keep the community safe.
Operation Hawker ran from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, targeting cross-border criminal activity and reducing road trauma in the Mildura region. Local police were supported by Victoria Police's Air Wing, Dog Squad and specialist units from both states.
Among those leading the charge was Acting Inspector Matt Pascoe from Victoria Police, who worked alongside his brother, son and daughter - each playing a vital role in the high-visibility enforcement effort spanning both sides of the border.
Over the three-day operation:
• 16 people were processed by way of arrest, summons or penalty infringement notices
• 14 infringement notices were issued in Victoria and NSW
• Five drivers were found under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Four vehicles were impounded
• Six drug-related offences were detected
Victoria Police's Air Wing played a critical role in tracking fleeing offenders from the sky, often guiding police units on the ground to locate alleged offenders.
Key incidents included:
• On Friday 30 May, an unregistered Ute attempted to flee police and allegedly rammed a police vehicle. Two men were arrested. A 25-year-old Mildura man, who was allegedly the driver, has been charged with disqualified driving, and exposing emergency service workers to risk. A 41-year-old passenger from Mildura was charged with drug and firearms offences. Both were remanded to appear at Mildura Magistrates Court on 1 July.
• On the same night, police pursued a vehicle allegedly travelling at speeds up to 180km/h in Mildura. The vehicle eventually came to a stop in Merbein. A 25-year-old Mildura man fled the vehicle but was located with the assistance of the Dog Squad and NSW Police. He has been charged with commit indictable offence whilst on bail, possess drug of dependence, fail to stop on police direction, and dangerous driving while pursued by Police and remanded to appear at Mildura Magistrates' Court on 1 July.
• On Saturday 31 May, police tracked an unregistered Ford Falcon that was allegedly driving dangerously in the Merbein and Cardross areas. The driver allegedly drove through a fence while evading police. His vehicle was brought to a stop by police in Cardross after they used stop-sticks. The driver allegedly tried to flee on foot however was swiftly arrested by members from both Victoria Police and NSW Police. A 39-year-old Merbein man was arrested and charged with for alleged offences including dangerous driving, stolen number plates, drug possession, and breaching a court order. He was remanded to appear at Mildura Magistrates Court on 1 July. His passenger, a 53-year-old Mildura woman was also arrested and released pending further enquiries.
Leading the operation was Acting Inspector Matt Pascoe, who has served with Victoria Police for more than 32 years. He was joined by his brother, Sergeant Brad Pascoe, a member of the Victoria Police Air Wing with more than 28 years of service. Also taking part was Matt's son, Constable Jayden Valinoti, who joined NSW Police six years ago and now works in the Dareton Highway Patrol Unit. Also working beside Matt is his daughter, First Constable Paige Valinoti of Mildura Uniform, who has been with Victoria Police for more than three years.
Quotes attributable to Investigation and Response Manager - Acting Inspector Matt Pascoe:
"This was a powerful example of what can be achieved when police from both sides of the border come together with a shared focus - disrupting crime and keeping the community safe.
"Working alongside my family during this operation was a moment of real pride. It's not often you get the chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with your brother, your son, and your daughter - all in different roles, but united by the same commitment to protecting the community. It was a reminder of why we all joined the job in the first place."
Policing in regional communities like Mildura is incredibly rewarding. You get to make a real difference, be part of a tight-knit team, and have a direct impact on people's safety and wellbeing. If you're looking for a career with purpose - there's no better place to start."
