The reason why Victoria Police fears crime across Melbourne is about to skyrocket
A major crackdown of teen gangs is underway as part of extensive police efforts to prevent carjackings, home invasions and robberies from soaring.
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Police will launch a blitz on teen crime gangs in a bid to head off the threat of increased carjackings, home invasions and robberies as coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease.
The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal Victoria Police fear crime could skyrocket when the restrictions are relaxed over the coming weeks.
Detectives from the gang crime squad will team up with dog squad and uniformed officers to target known gang offenders from today, as part of Operation United.
The pre-emptive strike comes after police noticed a spike in serious crime following the first easing of lockdown restrictions this year. Commander Mick Frewen, head of the squad, said: “This is about ensuring those crimes don’t occur.”
Cdr Frewen said officers would target dangerous teen gang members to prevent a surge in “high-harm crime” ahead of the lockdown easing.
Officers would look at crime hot spots and “known persons of interest” linked to youth gangs who have a history of violence.
Investigators will also carry out raids targeting criminals who have warrants out for their arrest, carry out surveillance of suspects, and look closely at people who are the subjects of Firearm Prohibition Orders.
Following the previous lifting of restrictions in May, police saw a sharp increase in crimes, in the Brimbank and Melton areas.
“In particular there was a spike in homicides, non-fatal shootings and a spike in serious assaults,” Cdr Frewen said.
“In order to arrest something before it occurs, the strategy here is the gang crime squad will work with the regions (local police) to identify people who trouble us.”
Cdr Frewen said there had been a rise in youth gang crime following the first easing of restrictions.
“People realised the shackles were off and they took to it with a high level of aggression and enthusiasm,” he said.
“Our job is to make sure we don’t get to the point, to minimise their offending.
“We are starting this week. We are not waiting for the haze of isolation to lift.
“We are taking a forward approach now and sending strong signals to the criminal fraternity that we will be out there.
“We are doing this now so they don’t get that extra gasp of air to gain momentum.”
Police will also target criminals who are breaching bail as part of the operation. Superintendent David Jones said: “We will hunt down offenders and hold them to account.”
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