Police have conducted a two-week operation along Fitzroy Street in St Kilda, focussed on reducing antisocial behaviour and criminal offences including theft, street-level drug dealing and public nuisance offences.
St Kilda Uniform police - with assistance from the Dog Squad - arrested six people for a range of offences, including car theft, assault and possessing prohibited weapons.
A Passive Alert Detection (PAD) dog was also utilised during the operation to detect illicit drugs.
Key arrests include:
• A 47-year-old man was arrested on 19 November and charged with theft. He was bailed to appear in Moorabbin Magistrates' Court on 11 February 2025.
• A 25-year-old man from St Kilda was arrested on 26 November and charged with theft of motor vehicle, theft, burglary, possess controlled weapon, and handle stolen goods. He was granted bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 16 Jan. It will be alleged he stole a black MG ZS from Brighton the day prior, before it was involved in an alleged hit-run where a vehicle was hit from behind, and petrol drive off in Southbank.
• A 25-year-old man from St Kilda was arrested on 28 November. He was charged with theft of motor vehicle, theft, and assault. He appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 4 December, where he was further remanded to reappear on 11 December.
Others were arrested on outstanding warrants and bailed, while several more were given cannabis cautions or move-on directions.
Similar operations are expected in the future to prevent, disrupt and deter crime, with highly visible patrols to continue in the area, including Operation Safenight and Operation Summersafe during the warmer months.
Police continue to engage with key stakeholders including the City of Port Phillip, residents and traders, ensuring police resources are allocated to the issues creating the most harm, while also offering outreach support to those experiencing housing, mental health or drug-related issues.
