By Alesha Capone
A police operation conducted in Wyndham during the school holidays, during which several street robberies occurred in the area, has resulted in more than 20 young people taken into custody for various offences.
Sergeant Julian Frazer said Operation Torrent aimed to provide a highly visible police presence, and to reduce instances of youth crime and anti-social behaviour, during the school holidays.
He said Wyndham police officers were supported by the Mounted Branch, Operations Response Unit and the Hobsons Bay Community Safety Team during the operation, which ran from June 28 to July 14.
“Anyone detected committing crime was arrested and put before the court,” Sergeant Frazer said.
“Over the two-week period, 24 people aged between 12 and 17 were processed for a range of offences including robbery, theft and trespass.”
He said police also issued 68 penalty notices for traffic and street offences including offensive behaviour and drunkenness.
“Unfortunately several isolated incidents of street robberies occurred during the operation,” Sergeant Frazer said.
“We want to reassure the community we are committed holding these youth offenders to account as we know the impact this type of offending has on innocent victims going about their daily business.
“People have every right to carry their valuables without fear of being robbed.
“These are often opportunistic crimes and it can be difficult to police.
“If practical, we recommend people carry their valuables in their front pocket and keep them out of sight to reduce the opportunistic nature of this crime.”
Sergeant Frazer said that during Operation Torrent, police came into contact with more than 500 members of the public while conducting proactive patrols at shopping centres, public transport precincts and other busy community locations.
“The overwhelming majority of these interactions were positive, with many young people and families out enjoying themselves on holidays and overall police were pleased with the community’s behavior,” he said.
Anyone who has information about a robbery that has occurred is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or lodge a confidential report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
