Victoria Police Make Over 100 Arrests, Seize 30 Weapons in First Weeks of Shopping Centre Operation

Melbourne 31 December: Victoria Police have made more than 100 arrests and seized 30 weapons during the first three weeks of a major safety operation targeting Melbourne’s busiest shopping centres.

The operation, known as Operation Pulse, began on December 8 and is a 90-day initiative aimed at increasing safety at four major retail hubs: Northland, Highpoint, Eastland and Fountain Gate, as thousands of people head out for Christmas and Boxing Day shopping.

Police said 109 people have been arrested so far, with 217 offences recorded, including 75 cases related to shop theft. Among those arrested was a 15-year-old found carrying a hunting knife, two men involved in a fight using a stolen hammer, and two people who allegedly stole $800 worth of clothing.

During one day of the operation alone, police seized a baton, a set of knuckle dusters, a dagger and three knives. Overall, 30 weapons have been confiscated through regular searches and weapons declarations.

There have also been several incidents involving the abuse of retail workers, including one woman who was evicted from a computer store after becoming extremely aggressive and refusing to leave.

In addition to arrests, police have directed more than 100 people to move on from shopping centres, and issued 41 cautions and 38 penalty notices.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner for Regional Operations Bob Hill said the strong police presence will continue throughout the holiday period.

“With the Boxing Day sales and school holidays underway, Victoria Police is here to keep shoppers and retail workers safe,” he said.
“Already we have made more than 100 arrests, seized dozens of weapons and moved on a significant number of people intent on causing trouble.
“As a police force, we simply will not stand for those who bring violence, aggression and weapons to places we should all feel safe.”

Victoria Police confirmed that all police and Protective Services Officer (PSO) shifts under Operation Pulse are voluntary and are conducted in addition to normal patrols, with no impact on existing police resources.