Police have charged 25 people and issued 47 cautions during a week-long operation aimed at addressing road safety, shop thefts, anti-social behaviour and 000 call responses in Geelong's Central Business District.
The operation saw local police working with community stakeholders and Public Transport Victoria (PTV) patrolling busy areas including major shopping centres, public transport hubs - in an effort to support the work done every day by local police in the Geelong CBD.
The majority of offences detected during the operation were related to shop thefts, with no incidents involving crimes against a person.
During the operation, police worked with plain clothed Loss Prevention Officers from retailers who were on the lookout for anyone looking to steal.
Key results from the operation include.
• 25 people charged for a range of offences including shop theft, drug possession, anti-social behaviour, and outstanding warrants.
• 47 cautions issued.
• Spoke to over 210 people.
• 19 Infringements for speeding.
Those arrested by police include:
• A 20-year-old woman and 19-year-old woman both from Melbourne were arrested after allegedly stealing $5,000 worth of items from a retail store. They were both released and expected to be charged on summons.
• A 18-year old Clifton Springs man was arrested after allegedly carrying a prohibited weapon, possessing illicit drugs, and stealing items from a retail store. He was charged with theft, possess drug of dependence, and possess prohibited weapon. He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court in September.
• A 40-year-old North Geelong woman was arrested after allegedly stealing $795 worth of items from a retail store. She was charged with theft, equip to steal, and handle stolen goods and bailed to Geelong Magistrates Court in September.
• A 44-year-old Portarlington man was arrested after allegedly stealing more than $300 worth of items from a retail store. He was charged with theft, and handle stolen goods. He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court in September.
• A 32-year-old Corio woman was arrested after allegedly stealing $795 worth of items from a retail store. She was charged with theft, and handle stolen goods. She was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court in September.
• A 16-year-old boy from Strathfieldsaye was arrested after allegedly stealing $360 worth of items from a retail store. He was released and is expected to be charged on summons.
Geelong police units were out in force on the roads, with multiple roadside check points set- up across the CBD.
Police handed out 19 infringement notices for speeding drivers and detected several unregistered vehicles through the use of mobile Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.
• A 30-year-old Laverton man was allegedly found travelling at 99 km/h in a 70 km/h zone. He was issued with a $543 infringement and a three-month licence suspension.
• A 34-year-old Armstrong Creek man was allegedly found driving whilst suspended and will be summonsed to Geelong Magistrates Court in September. His car was impounded at a cost of $1400.
Police will continue to run regular operations in the city targeting crime and road safety in an effort to boost safety measures.
Quotes attributable to Acting Sergeant Adam Barnes - Geelong Uniform:
"During this operation, police saturated the CBD to combat theft, address anti-social behaviour, and make the community feel safe.
"We know the school holiday period generally creates greater opportunities for anti-social behaviour particularly around busy locations such as shopping centres, parks, and transport hubs."
"While it is concerning to see a large number of people stealing from retail stores, police were pleased to see no crimes committed against a person."
"We are determined to disrupt anyone looking to cause harm in our community, and these operations highlight our ongoing commitment to keep our community safe.
