“We have new solutions to keep you safe, with PSOs in shopping centres, violence reduction in our schools, and Adult Time in the law,” Premier Jacinta Allan declared, as the Allan Labor Government announced a $6.5 million extension of Operation Pulse.
New data shows the high-visibility policing initiative has significantly improved safety perceptions and reduced crime at major Victorian shopping centres.
According to figures released today, 84 per cent of customers at one participating centre said the presence of police and Protective Services Officers (PSOs) made them feel safer while shopping.
The operation is also credited with a 73 per cent reduction in retail stock loss and a 50 per cent drop in serious violent events.
Launched in December, Operation Pulse deploys police and PSOs to busy retail hubs including Northland, Eastland, Highpoint and Fountain Gate to deter theft, violence and anti-social behaviour.
Since the operation began, police have made 452 arrests, laid 971 charges, seized more than 100 weapons and conducted 3,800 vehicle checks during highly visible patrols.
The Shopping Centre Council of Australia reported strong support from retailers, with 94 per cent of tenants at one centre backing the extension.
In January alone, stock loss fell by 73 per cent, while serious incidents involving violence, aggression and weapons halved in December.
Under the extension, Operation Pulse will continue until the end of the year without affecting existing staffing or deployments.
The government has now invested nearly $9 million in the initiative.
Premier Allan said the program demonstrates the government’s commitment to placing police “where the problems are, protecting you where you shop, work and spend time”.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines said the operation was producing measurable results.
“Operation Pulse is delivering results – Victoria Police is stopping crime before it begins, responding quickly and removing dangerous weapons before they can be used.”
The extension forms part of the government’s broader crime reduction agenda, which includes new “Adult Time for Adult Crime” laws, a Violence Reduction Unit aimed at preventing offending, and a recent weapons amnesty that removed more than 18,000 knives and machetes from Victorian streets.
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