Victoria Police has sent a clear message to those looking to bring harm to the community with 168 charges laid and 132 fines issued as part of Operation United.
The state-wide operation aims to combat predicted increases in certain high harm offences as coronavirus restrictions are lifted or reduced.
Operation United kicked off in the north west suburbs last week targeting offences including robberies, aggravated burglaries, car jackings and assaults.
This offending can often be linked to street gangs and other organised criminal groups.
Police from the North West Metro Region worked alongside detectives from the Crime Command Gang Crime Squad to pro-actively target known offenders and other persons of interest.
Between 13 September and 19 September, the operation lead to 62 arrests and 168 charges being laid, including armed robbery, burglary, trafficking drug of dependence assault police and a range of other offences.
Police from the Public Order Response Team, highway patrol, transit police, Air Wing and Dog Squad were also heavily involved as police saturated crime hot spots in the Melton and Brimbank areas.
There were significant traffic offences detected with 14 vehicles impounded while police also handed out 113 infringement notices for breaches of the Chief Health Officer directions.
Operation United will be ongoing in various parts of the state with a range of regional units and members from Crime Command coming together in a joint effort to deter and disrupt the anticipated increase in offences as restrictions ease.
Anyone with information about offences or gang activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
