Three arrested after police blitz in Geelong CBD

Three people were arrested in less than an hour on Thursday in central Geelong as police ramp up their patrols of troubled CBD hotspots.

Geelong police swarmed Market Square yesterday targeting persons of interest as part of a safety blitz in the CBD. Photos: Victoria Police.

Three people were arrested in less than an hour on Thursday as police ramp up patrols of troubled CBD hotspots.

Uniformed officers swarmed the Geelong CBD on Thursday afternoon at Yarra St, Moorabool St, Little Malop St, Malop St and the waterfront in an effort to clean up unruly behaviour near the Westfield shopping centre, Market Square and Eastern Beach.

Senior Sergeant Aaron Riches said police planned to target central Geelong “to stop, prop, check persons of interest” and ensure people felt safe in the city and public spaces.

Police set up on Yarra St where an arrest was made. Photos: Victoria Police.

A 26-year-old Corio woman was charged after allegedly attempting to assault police and also booked for allegedly trespassing at Westfield where she was witnessed “violently screaming” and behaving in an offensive manner, police said.

She was fined $1200.

Another North Geelong woman, 18, is alleged to have used a pram as a prop to carry out stolen food from Coles.

Senior Sergeant Riches said her behaviour became uncontrolled before she was charged with theft and riotous behaviours.

She was released on summons.

A man is spoken to by a police officer at Westfield. Photos: Victoria Police.

A 25-year-old man was nabbeed near Yarra St for allegedly violently threatening Westfield security staff and one pedestrian.

He was found to be wanted on warrants and charged with disorderly conduct, using obscene language and breaching an intervention order.

He was bailed to appear at the Geelong Magistrates Court.

“Community safety is our priority and especially in the CBD and surrounds,” Senior Sergeant Riches said.

“These shifts and efforts within are our business-as-usual moving forward, particularly as we transition to warmer weather.”

It follows a long list of disturbing attacks at well-known trouble spots this year, including a stabbing outside the Geelong Shisha Bar on Moorabool St last month.

Originally published as Three arrested after police blitz in Geelong CBD