By Alesha Capone
Police searched more than 140 people in Wyndham during an anti-weapons operation last month, sparked by worries about knife crime in the area.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said that Operation Tallinn was conducted in the Wyndham area following concern about the number of incidents involving edged weapons.
The spokesperson said that during Operation Tallinn, Wyndham police were supported by the Public Order Response Team, Highway Patrol, Transit Police and PSOs “to provide a highly visible presence in the area to detect and deter any anti-social or criminal behaviour”.
Public areas in Wyndham were declared “designated areas” during the operation, giving police officers additional search powers to detect and deter any weapon offences.
The designated areas included shopping centres in Hoppers Crossing and Manor Lakes, plus three shopping centres in Tarneit.
Other designated areas included Presidents Park, Mossfiel Reserve, Cambridge Reserve, Hoppers Crossing skatepark, Tarneit railway station and Wyndham Vale Railway Station.
Police allege that two males were found to be carrying an edged weapon on May 24, after police intercepted a vehicle in Thames Boulevard, Werribee.
Police allegedly found cannabis, GHB, knives, a homemade firearm, ammunition and cash when they searched the car.
A 29-year-old Werribee man was arrested and charged with several offences including possessing an unregistered handgun, possessing explosives and possessing a prohibited weapon without exemption.
A 23-year-old Harkness man was also arrested and police said they expected he would be charged on summons with similar offences.
“This should send a very clear message to anyone carrying a knife – you are going to get caught and police will hold you accountable,” the Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“Police will continue to work extensively with local community, organisations and local schools to address the prevalence of knives being carried by young people and highlight the associated dangers.”
During Operation Tallinn, police also detected 30 road-related offences which included speeding, unlicensed driving and drink driving.
