Victoria Police is ramping up its presence at several major metropolitan shopping hubs, including the heavily-trafficked Eastland Shopping Centre, as part of a new crime-fighting initiative, Operation Pulse.
The 90-day operation, which officially commenced on 8 December, aims to ensure public safety ahead of the busy festive season.
In a direct response to rising crime statistics and concerning recent incidents, police and Protective Services Officers (PSOs) are being deployed across four initial locations based on “intelligence, crime data, and calls for assistance.”
Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill, Regional Operations, stressed the necessity of the crackdown.
“Retailers and shoppers should feel safe; however, unfortunately, we know that has not always been the case this year,” he said.
“It’s no secret that Victoria is confronting record levels of retail theft, while other problematic incidents include increased aggression towards retailers and public knife fights between feuding gangs.”
Operation Pulse is initially focusing its resources on four key centres: Northland, Highpoint, Eastland, and Fountain Gate.
In a significant move, all four shopping centres have been immediately declared designated areas for weapons searches for the entire 90-day period, until 28 February 2026.
The focus of the operation will be on combating retail theft, anti-social behaviour, and weapons offences.
“We are heading into peak time for our shopping centres, with school holidays and the festive period almost upon us,” Deputy Commissioner Hill said.
“It’s important that people feel comfortable shopping during this period and Victoria Police will be out in force across several of Melbourne’s biggest shopping centres to ensure this is the case.”
To help tackle the issue of weapons being carried in public, officers will be equipped with weapons wands to conduct non-invasive searches.
Recent alarming incidents, including “high levels of retail theft and fights with weapons,” prompted the force to reaffirm its commitment to regularly carrying out patrols and designated weapon search operations.
The use of wands offers a safer alternative for the members than performing a pat-down search on someone who may possibly be armed.
Deputy Commissioner Hill confirmed the tactical approach: “The operation will include overt patrols to prevent crime, engagement with retailers, and non-invasive wand or pat down searches to remove weapons from the wrong hands.”
While the operation is starting at these four locations, authorities have warned that its focus is flexible and guided by ongoing intelligence.
“Their deployment will be agile and flexible, depending on the latest intelligence surrounding calls for assistance, crime rates and centre patronage,” Deputy Commissioner Hill said.
This means other shopping centres could be declared designated areas at a moment’s notice if Operation Pulse shifts its focus.
The increased police presence is being achieved without impacting regular staffing levels, as all shifts for Operation Pulse are voluntary duties undertaken by police and PSOs on their planned rest days.
