Police move to dismantle Geelong youth gang culture, arresting dozens in targeted operation

Police have arrested dozens of alleged offenders across Greater Geelong as part of a concerted effort to dismantle violent youth street gangs and hold other known criminals to account

MEMBERS of an alleged youth gang have been arrested in connection to a Bell Park stabbing under a targeted crackdown on out-of-control offenders.

Police arrested 26 alleged offenders across Greater Geelong in just three weeks as part of a concerted effort to dismantle violent youth street gangs and hold other known criminals to account.

The operation comes after Corio teenager Mohammed Mohammedi died from stab wounds allegedly sustained in an organised street fight days before his 18th birthday.

Those arrested under Operation Alliance were together charged with more than 139 offences including affray, reckless conduct endangering life, possessing trafficable quantities of firearms, unlicensed person possess firearms, handle stolen goods and a range of other offences.

Raids across the region on Thursday led police to a number of males wanted over an alleged

affray and stabbing of a 20-year-man in North Geelong on September 27.

Police arrested three 17-year-old boys, a 16-year-old male boy, an 18-year-old Corio man and a 37-year old Bell Post Hill man.

All six males were charged with affray and will front the Geelong Magistrates Court or a children’s court at a later date.

Police also allegedly seized a knife and knuckle duster during the raids.

Superintendent Craig Gillard said the arrests and seizures of dangerous items were a

result of a carefully planned police response combined with the use of specialised

resources.

“We’ve really targeted a known youth gang in Geelong and our members have made numerous arrests of the gang members and laid serious charges against them arising from a stabbing incident in North Geelong,” he said.

During raids at 17 properties across the region police allegedly seized 15 firearms, 26 prohibited weapons and three imitation firearms.

In an attempt to stop those considered a threat of ongoing serious and violent crime, police have issued 21 Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs).

Superintendent Gillard said police would continue to apprehend those intent on committing dangerous crime in the region.

“We’ve got a criminal element who clearly think they are above the law, let me tell them they are wrong,” he said.

“These types of laws were made specifically for them and we will enforce them strongly.” Superintendent Gillard said these offenders were known criminals with many stealing weapons during aggravated burglaries.

He said while the number of weapons seized was concerning, the community should be assured that police know who the region’s worst offenders are.

“I hope other criminals sit up and take notice.

“If you seek to ply your criminal enterprise here in Greater Geelong, expect a visit from us.

“We still have room in our cells.”

Police also seized allegedly stolen property, including motorcycles, worth around $100,000 that they believe are linked to burglaries, aggravated burglaries and car thefts.

Originally published as Police move to dismantle Geelong youth gang culture, arresting dozens in targeted operation