Police converge to tackle high volume crime

Police have charged 14 people as part of Operation Converge which was focused on detecting and disrupting high volume crime.

Extra resources from the North West Metro region and Operations Response Unit were deployed to areas in Yarra and Darebin for a day of action on Thursday 11 April.

The aim of the operation was to engage with the community and target high volume crimes such as vehicle crime and reinforce road safety measures.

Preliminary results from the day of action include:

• 9 people charged for offences including drug-related offences and outstanding warrants

• 5 people charged for driving while disqualified or suspended

• 33 people issued penalty notices for traffic infringements

With a high visible presence, police were extremely active in conducting:

• 436 person checks

• 286 vehicles intercepted

• 247 preliminary breath tests

Divisional Commander A/Superintendent Greg Barras said police were targeting known hotspots and recidivist offenders in an effort to drive down vehicle crime.

“Police had a highly visible presence in Yarra and Darebin to engage with the community, target high volume crimes such as vehicle crime and reinforce road safety measures.

“Our officers had the chance to take more time to interact with the community, which we hope helps to build rapport with police and enhance people’s feelings of safety.

“People often see vehicle crime as victimless, however we can tell you this is not the case. We know that stolen cars and stolen number plates are often used to commit other crimes such as ram raids, police car rammings, pursuits, petrol drive-offs and evade police.

“Our extra resources were also used to focus on road safety, from identifying those driving when they shouldn’t be and ensuring the community was using roadworthy vehicles.

“We want the community to know police are actively out there targeting those who are prepared to commit these types of offences.

“This type of behaviour simply isn’t acceptable and we will continue to run these types of operations in an effort to deter criminals in the community.”

/Public Release. View in full here.