More than 70 arrested during safety blitz as police target theft, anti-social behaviour

More than 70 people have been arrested, including two women who allegedly stole more than $5000 worth of goods from a shop, after police swooped on Westfield Geelong as part of a week-long sting.

Two teens being taken away into custody as part of Operation Plymouth.

More than 70 people were arrested after police swooped on Westfield Geelong during the school holidays as part of a major crackdown in the CBD.

Geelong police arrested 72 people and have so far charged 25 for a range of alleged offences, including shop theft, drug possession, anti-social behaviour and outstanding warrants as part of a week-long operation in the city’s centre.

Police, along with officers from Public Transport Victoria and plain clothed loss-prevention officers, patrolled the major shopping centre and the troubled Moorabool St bus stop.

Officers issued 47 cautions and spoke to more than 210 people.

Among those taken into custody were a 20-year-old woman and a 19-year-old woman from Melbourne who allegedly stole more than $5000 worth of items from a store.

Both were released and are expected to be charged on summons.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested after he allegedly stole $360 worth of goods.

He was also released and is expected to be charged on summons.

An 18-year-old Clifton Springs man was arrested after police allegedly found him carrying a prohibited weapon and possessing illicit drugs and stolen goods.

He was charged with a string of offences and was bailed to appear at the Geelong Magistrates Court in September.

Among other the offenders was a 40-year-old North Geelong woman who allegedly stole $795 worth of items.

She was arrested, charged with theft and handling stolen goods and bailed to front the Geelong Magistrates Court in September.

Another woman, a 32-year-old from Corio, was also arrested after allegedly stealing almost $800 worth of items from a retail store.

She was charged with theft and handling stolen goods and bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court, also in September.

Police were also out in force on Geelong roads, with multiple roadside checkpoints set up in the CBD and 19 infringement notices issued.

A 34-year-old Armstrong Creek man was allegedly found driving while suspended and will be summoned to Geelong Magistrates Court in September.

A 30-year-old Laverton man was allegedly caught driving at 99 km/h in a 70 km/h zone.

He was issued with a $543 fine and his licence will be suspended for three months.

Acting Sergeant Adam Barnes said the school holiday period generally saw a rise in anti-social behaviour in shopping centres, parks and transport hubs.

First Constable Peter Gray, Senior Constable Dean Saunders, Acting Sergeant Adam Barnes and Senior Constable Jayden Hicks on patrol in Westfield Geelong. Picture: Brad Fleet.

“While it is concerning to see a large number of people stealing from retail stores, police were

pleased to see no crimes committed against a person,” he said.

“We are determined to disrupt anyone looking to cause harm in our community, and these

operations highlight our ongoing commitment to keep our community safe.”

It comes after the Addy revealed the foreign owners of Market Square will not invest in the site unless the troubled Moorabool St bus stop is relocated.

A similar operation in the April school holidays saw 51 people arrested and 41 people banned from Westfield.

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Originally published as More than 70 arrested during safety blitz as police target theft, anti-social behaviour