POLICE will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to volume crime across Melton and Caroline Springs when the Operations Response Unit joins forces with uniform police to target recent increases in burglaries and thefts.
The ORU will crackdown on residential and commercial burglaries and theft from and theft of motor vehicles, as well as public order and traffic offences.
Police will focus on train stations, shopping centres and new housing estates.
Melton Inspector Stephen Mutton said police working alongside the ORU would provide a highly-visible presence to focus on reducing high volume crime.
“Having the support of a specialist unit such as the ORU means we will have a higher visible presence on our streets,” Insp Mutton said.
“We have already received some positive feedback from the community that seeing more police out and about makes them feel safer.”
Already the ORU have made a number of arrests including three men believed to be responsible for a number of alleged theft of and theft from motor vehicle offences committed in the Melton Police Service Area.
A 17-year-old Braybrook man and a 28-year-old Melton man were arrested and charged with various motor vehicle offences on 25 February.
They were remanded in custody to appear at Sunshine Court last Thursday.
A 17-year-old Melton man was also charged with various motor vehicle offences and has been bailed to appear at a children’s court on a later date.
Inspector Mutton urged the community to take simple preventative steps, such as locking their car and house doors, to avoid becoming a victim.
“Most thefts are opportunistic. It takes a matter of seconds for a thief to open the door and take anything you have left on the seat of your car. Remember to lock up and take any valuables with you.”
“Lock the windows and doors to your house and make it harder for someone to get in without being seen. It’s also important to report any suspicious behaviour and activity to police.”
