Ten people have been arrested, and several firearms seized during an ongoing crackdown on serious offences across Greater Geelong.
Geelong Crime Investigation Unit detectives targeted individuals linked to recent incidents, such as armed robberies, burglaries, firearms offences and police rammings, over the past week.
Detectives arrested 10 people during the crime blitz, with many expected to face Geelong Magistrates Court this year.
Three people were arrested on August 1 following an armed robbery in Norlane. A Geelong North man, 23, was charged and remanded to appear in court. A Norlane woman, 18, and a Pakenham woman, 26, were also arrested and expected to be charged on summons.
A Corio man, 26, was arrested on August 1 and remanded to appear in court following an alleged ramming of a police vehicle on July 31, with police locating a firearm in his vehicle during the arrest.
A Norlane man, 33, and a Corio man, 34, were arrested in the past week following an alleged kidnapping on June 6, with both men charged and remanded to appear in court.
Detectives executed a warrant at a Wandana Heights property on July 24 and found two firearms and 200 grams of methylamphetamine. A 31-year-old man was arrested, charged and remanded to appear in court.
A Bellbrae man, 26, was charged and bailed to appear in court after police conducted a search warrant on July 23 following an investigation into three alleged armed robberies.
A search warrant was conducted in Norlane on July 30, where a loaded firearm was located and seized. A Corio man, 38, was arrested, charged and bailed to appear in court.
A Corio man, 29, was arrested on July 30 after an alleged ramming of a police vehicle on the same day. It is further alleged that the man attempted to carjack another vehicle before the arrest.
Police also located and seized a quantity of illicit drugs and multiple knives during the arrest, with the man charged and remanded to appear in court.
Detective senior sergeant Mark Guthrie said the arrests and efforts of detectives served as a “stern warning” to people considering “engaging in criminal activity”.
“If you’re caught with an illegal firearm, you could end up spending years behind bars and away from your loved ones; it’s simply not worth it,” he said.
“Geelong continues to be an exceptionally safe place for both residents and visitors, with crimes against the person and property and deception offences below pre-covid levels.
“However, when crimes do occur, our dedicated teams of detectives in Geelong are working around the clock to identify and hold individuals accountable for criminal activity.”
Investigations remain ongoing and police encourage the community to come forward with information by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au
