South west consumers looking for a bigger range and bargains in Melbourne may also have to contend with shopping centres high on crime.
Victoria police has made over 1000 arrests and laid more than 2000 charges during a major operation across Melbourne’s biggest shopping centres over the past four months.
Operation Pulse began in early December and had police patrolling four major metropolitan shopping centres each day.
While many of the charges laid are for retail theft, dangerous anti-social offences have also been numerous.
Over 350 drug and weapon seizures have been made, while carjacking and car theft have also been reported.
In some positive news, police believe their presence has restricted violent crimes, which made up three per cent of offences.
Superintendent Matt Baynes said police were sending a message that shopping centres were no place for criminal behaviour.
“We’ll continue to strategically move our resources based on the latest crime data, calls for assistance and intelligence – ensuring our members are where they need to be to prevent crime,” he said.
Pacific Werribee, Bayside Frankston, Highpoint, Fountain Gate, Northland, Watergardens, Southland, and Eastland are among those shopping centres targeted in Operation Pulse.
