Almost 70 people were arrested during a month-long operation targeting serious and violent crime in the western suburbs.
As part of Operation Cavalcade, local police teamed up with a range of specialist police to saturate hot spot areas in Brimbank and Melton and put repeat offenders on notice.
Officers targeted busy community locations including Watergardens and Woodgrove shopping centres, as well as parks and train stations such as Sunshine, Melton and St Albans.
Across May, 68 arrests were made.
Among them where three teens, aged 15, 16 and 17, who were arrested in a vehicle which had allegedly been stolen during a carjacking in Williams Landing on May 30.
All were charged and remanded to appear before a children’s court at a later date.
Two men aged 21 and 23, who were arrested after allegedly attempting to steal cash from a person using an ATM at a Melton West shopping centre on May 23.
Both were charged with attempted robbery, affray and assault causing injury. They were bailed to appear before Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on August 22.
Two 21-year-old men were arrested after a vehicle allegedly failed to stop for police in Hillside on May 16 and ran a red light.
One of the men was arrested inside a residential address, and the second man, who allegedly fled on foot, was arrested by the dog squad shortly after. Police alleged they located a knife and drugs in the vehicle.
The men were charged with a range of offences including reckless conduct endangering life, dangerous driving while being pursued by police, and possessing weapons and drugs. They were remanded to appear before Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on June 14.
Two 16-year-old boys were arrested after allegedly stealing a knife from a retail store in Melton West on May 7.
They were charged with theft, possessing a controlled weapon and possessing cannabis and bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.
Brimbank tasking and co-ordination acting inspector Scott Williams said the strong police presence will continue.
“Over the last month we’ve had officers from the public order response team and transit division dedicated to Brimbank and Melton areas every day of the week,” he said.
“Together, we’ve been able to put a real dent in criminal activity by keeping those with links to serious and violent crime accountable.
“Anyone who thinks they can cause serious harm in our community can expect to see a significant police presence waiting for them.”
The local offender management team also carried out a range of proactive enforcement activities to ensure accountability of known offenders, including conducting bail compliance checks, firearm prohibition order compliance checks and executing outstanding warrants.
During the operation, police intercepted 385 vehicles and impounded six for traffic-related offences.
A total 58 penalty notices were also issued for a range of offences including speeding, drunk driving, unlicensed driving, and not wearing seatbelts.
Part two of Operation Cavalcade will commence on Sunday, June 30, and run for five weeks.
