Local police have been busy throughout the school holidays, conducting one major operation in the city centre and smaller operations around Geelong.
Geelong police’s Operation Plymouth, which ran during the two-week holiday period, focused on the CBD, with an increased presence to deter theft, engage with the community and provide safety to local businesses, families and visitors.
The operation resulted in 42 arrests for theft, with one man and one woman allegedly stealing $4000 worth of items from Myer, as well as 14 more arrests for offences including drug possession and resisting police.
Police also issued 26 road safety infringements in and around the CBD, including one to a driver allegedly travelling 41km/h over the speed limit.
Geelong local area commander Inspector Clare Murphy said the outcomes of Operation Plymouth could give the community confidence that “police are out in force, working hard to keep Geelong safe”.
“We know the CBD is at its busiest during the school holidays, with families, workers and visitors spending more time in the city,” she said.
“Importantly, throughout the operation no violent or serious crimes were detected in the CBD. That’s a really positive outcome.”
Inspector Murphy said Operation Plymouth was about “more than enforcement”.
“It was about being highly visible, regularly patrolling the CBD and engaging directly with the community,” she said.
“Our officers were out on foot, and in marked vehicles, speaking with locals and making sure people felt safe.
“While people may think retail theft is a victimless crime, it directly affects local traders in Geelong.
“That’s why we are working side by side with retailers to crack down on anyone trying to steal. These arrests send a strong message that police will not tolerate this behaviour.”
On Wednesday 1 October police also conducted Omni operations, which temporarily give officers extra powers to search people and vehicles for weapons, in Geelong, Corio and Waurn Ponds.
The Geelong CBD Omni operation resulted in 132 people and 33 vehicles searched, five arrests for small edged weapons and possession of illicit drugs, with weapons-related arrests also recorded in Corio and Waurn Ponds.
