By Marcus Uhe
A two-day proactive police operation conducted last week at Dandenong Plaza, Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre and the surrounding public transport hubs resulted in 13 people arrested and charged for various offences.
On Thursday 29 and Friday 30 September, Greater Dandenong and Casey police conducted a high visibility operation to detect weapons, enhance community safety, gather intelligence and deter anyone who thinks that carrying a weapon in the community is acceptable.
Under the Control of Weapons Act 1990, Victoria Police declared the areas a designated area for weapon searches.
During the operation, police checked more than 320 people and 320 vehicles.
Police seized four weapons, including knives and knuckle dusters, 13 people were arrested and charged for various offences including the possession of a drug of dependence, theft, handle stolen goods and breach of bail.
It was the second police operation of a similar focus in Casey in the space of two weeks, following another in Fountain Gate and the surrounding public transport hubs on Tuesday 20 September.
Casey Local Area Commander, Inspector Melissa Webbers said police have “absolutely no tolerance” for anyone who thinks it is acceptable to carry knives or weapons while out in the community.
“The reality is, if someone is carrying a weapon, sooner or later they will use it and we make no apologies for targeting those who threaten the safety of others,” Ms Webbers said.
“It is our role to keep the community safe – if people have nothing to hide, they shouldn’t be worried about these kinds of operations.”
