VICTORIA Police have ramped up their presence across the Mornington Peninsula this month, aiming to keep residents and visitors safe during the busy summer season.
Operation Scorchio is under way, responding to the surge in population in the region over the holiday period. Officers are conducting highly visible patrols to target antisocial behaviour, public order offences, and other criminal activity. The operation is set to continue until 31 January.
On the water, Operation Summersafe is focusing on jet ski safety, enforcing speed limits, ensuring riders stay clear of restricted areas, and keeping swimmers safe near the shore – which will run through to 31 March.
Police are also maintaining an intense focus on road safety across the peninsula, reminding drivers that risks can appear at any time. Enforcement will target speeding, impaired driving, and reckless behaviour that endangers other road users.
Local police are urging residents to take practical steps to secure their homes, noting intruders often searched for easy access points, including unlocked doors, windows, and even pet doors.
Precautions include locking internal and external garage doors, windows, gates and sheds, pet doors, and skylights.
Residents are also advised to keep spare keys out of obvious hiding spots.
Throughout the Mornington Peninsula, Operation Trinity continues to run nightly, focusing on preventing burglaries and car thefts. The operation involves uniformed officers supported by specialist units such as the Dog Squad, Public Order Response, and Air Wing.
In the past year, Operation Trinity has led to 627 individuals being arrested 1550 times, averaging more than four arrests per day. Police say while arrests remain significant, the operation’s primary goal is prevention. Officers conduct targeted patrols, intercept vehicles, and monitor the homes of high-risk offenders to disrupt crime before it occurs.
First published in the Mornington News – 13 January 2026