Mass youth arrests ahead of New Year’s Eve
A hardcore group of youth criminals have been arrested in a four-day police swoop due to fears they could “inflict significant harm” on the public over the New Year’s break.
Law & Order
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Police have arrested more than a dozen youths amid fears they could “inflict significant harm” on the public during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Twelve males and two females, most aged between 14 and 22, were arrested in a four-day swoop which will continue on Tuesday.
The hardcore group of offenders are facing a total of 29 charges for crimes including robbery, affray, burglary, reckless conduct endangering life and vehicle crime linked to serious offending.
Seven people were remanded and another four bailed to appear at court at a later date.
Two were released pending further enquiries and one person will be charged on summons.
The arrests in Melbourne’s outer suburbs and western Victroria form part of Operation Liege, focused on high-harm youth offending.
A further 44 ‘persons of interest’ were spoken to by police to ensure they abide by their bail conditions over the festive break.
Similar arrest operations took place prior to other large events such as Moomba and White Night.
North West Metro Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Tim Hansen said those arrested were on a ‘priority list’ shared by police across the regions.
“We want to ensure criminals who are committing crimes such as robbery, affray and vehicle crime or who are flouting the law by not complying with court orders or conditions are held to account and off our streets,” he said.
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“It’s about maximising safety and sending a really strong message to a small group of offenders who have the potential to inflict significant harm on the community.
“Our message to those committing these offences is clear – police will find you, we will hold you to account and we will ensure you do not continue to inflict harm on the Victorian community.”