Police brace for huge security operation as Melbourne hosts three major events this week

A ring of steel, airport style security and a promise Melburnians will be safe — Victoria Police are gearing up for a massive security operation ahead of major events in the city this week.

Police are promising to surround downtown Melbourne with a “ring of steel” and crack down on troublemakers ahead of a massive three days in the city.

The huge security operation will also see airport-style security at Marvel Stadium for the Boomers v USA basketball match at Marvel Stadium, which coincides with the White Night Reimagined festival and the last round of AFL matches at the MCG.

Victoria Police will have officers swarming the central city and public transport network for the three-day White Night festival and will activate their major event policing model for the basketball and AFL.

Police will have a heavy presence at White Night Reimagined this week. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Commander Tim Hansen said police were well prepared and would have a highly visible presence throughout the events across the city.

He promised police “had never been better prepared or equipped to crackdown swiftly” on law-breakers.

“Those planning on attending can be assured there will be a strong and dedicated highly visible police presence across the city,” he said.

“As always, our message to anyone thinking of coming into the city to cause trouble is simply don’t bother; you will be arrested and held to account if you break the law.”

A large group of police patrol White Night on Flinders Street. Picture: Hamish Blair

A “ring of steel” on the roads surrounding the CBD would involve a “dedicated police presence” of major arterials around the CBD to ensure road users were safe.

“We’ll be on the lookout right across Melbourne, including at train stations and on train and tram routes, for any anti-social or criminal behaviour,” Commander Hansen said.

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“We are asking anyone thinking of coming along to anyone of these events, consider how you’re behaviour may impact on the rest of the community’s ability to enjoy what will be a fantastic event,”

Police will use the control of weapons act to declare the CBD and festival site a designated area for weapons searches, giving police additional search powers.

People attending the Boomers v USA Basketball are asked to arrive early for the airport style security screening, and to consider not bringing a bag.

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