The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch (the Guild) welcomes the Victorian Government’s extension and expansion of Operation Pulse, allowing police and Protective Services Officers (PSOs) to patrol more major shopping centres.
The Guild also supports the Carroll Government’s commitment to recruit an additional 150 Protective Services Officers, and change regulations to enable PSOs to patrol in more places where there is crime and anti-social behaviour – such as local shopping strips.
“The extension of Operation Pulse is a welcome announcement for community pharmacies and the staff who serve Victorians every day,” said Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch President George Tambassis.
“Our members in shopping centres and shopping strips have reported an increase in retail crime and anti-social behaviour, and it is having a real impact on pharmacy businesses and their teams,” Mr Tambassis said.
“The expansion of Operation Pulse will provide reassurance to members who have had to invest in additional security measures to protect their staff, patients and premises,” he said.
Operation Pulse is a Victoria Police operation that deploys police and PSOs at major shopping centres. More than 1,700 people have been arrested and more than 3,500 charges laid since this operation started in December 2025.
“The Guild has also been working closely with the Shopping Centre Council of Australia to address the growing crime and safety issue in shopping centres,” Mr Tambassis said.
“We welcome these practical measures that help improve safety for businesses, workers and the communities they support.”
