Police arrest 17 people during crackdown on crime in Southbank multi-level carparks

A major police crackdown on car theft and indecent acts in Southbank’s multi-level carparks has resulted in 17 arrests, as officers swooped during a late-night blitz.

Nine youths were arrested for an alleged liquor store robbery during a police crackdown on vehicle theft and indecent acts in Southbank multi-level carparks.

Police allege two boys entered a liquor store on Flinders St and attacked a store attendant, while a larger group of youths entered the store and began stealing alcohol on Saturday July 20.

The youths, all aged between 15 to 21, are alleged to have stolen 20 bottles of alcohol.

Officers working as part of Operation Zenith, a police initiative aimed at cracking down on surging car thefts in multi-story city carparks, tracked down and arrested the offenders.

A 21-year-old Preston man and 17-year-old boy have been charged with robbery and bailed to appear before court at a later date.

Police arrested 17 people during the blitz of multi-level carparks. Picture: Victoria Police

Four are expected to be charged pending summons, another three were released pending further investigation.

The youth offenders made up nine of the 17 arrests performed as part of Operation Zenith, including two prolific car thieves.

The night-time weekend operation was formed after police data revealed car thefts in multi-story carparks had more than doubled since this time last year with around 70 per cent of car break-ins and almost half of cars stolen going unreported to police.

Police arrested two alleged prolific male car thieves in one multi-story carpark who were allegedly out on outstanding warrants.

The joint operation was run by Victoria Police and Crown Security Services. Picture: Victoria Police.

Another man was arrested when police located him in a vehicle with several allegedly stolen number plates and a small quantity of drugs.

Three people were arrested for indecent behaviour including public urination and sexual activity in the carparks.

Melbourne East Local Area Commander Inspector Dale Huntington urged residents to ensure their vehicles in multi-story car parks were locked and valuables hidden away.

“We have seen a sharp increase in cars being broken into at Southbank multi story car parks, hence our dedicated operation last week and ongoing patrols,” Mr Huntington said.

“Unfortunately, some people fall victim to these opportunistic crimes because cars are left unlocked or valuables are left out, so we’d like to remind everyone to always ensure your vehicle is locked, especially when parking at a carpark.”

Originally published as Police arrest 17 people during crackdown on crime in Southbank multi-level carparks