A POLICE operation targeting major shopping centres, including Frankston’s Bayside Shopping Centre, has resulted in more than 1000 arrests.
Operation Pulse has been running since December. During that time, police have made more than 1000 arrests and laid more than 2000 charges; half of the charges laid are for retail theft, and around 350 drug and weapon seizures have been completed by police.
Victoria Police superintendent Matt Baynes said “over 1000 arrests in four months sends a very clear message – there is no place for criminal behaviour at shopping centres.”
“Police and PSOs have been identifying and arresting shop thieves in enormous numbers as part of Operation Pulse, ensuring hard working retailers are better protected. While it’s more difficult to quantify, the presence of police and PSOs is also undoubtedly preventing significant offending – whether it be breaking up planned fights or putting doubt into the minds of opportunistic thieves,” he said. “As a result, retailers and shoppers are approaching us regularly to say they feel safer since the operation commenced.
“Teams of police and PSOs will continue to be flexibly deployed to major shopping centres throughout the remainder of this year. We’ll continue to strategically move our resources based on the latest crime data, calls for assistance and intelligence – ensuring our members are where they need to be to prevent crime.”
This year, Victoria Police has been exercising powers to search people for weapons without warrants within the Bayside Shopping Centre precinct (‘Warrantless search powers extended” The Times 3/3/2026).
First published in the Frankston Times – 21 April 2026
