Operation Lion was conducted on and around Fitzroy Street and Acland Street between 18-30 January, with a focus on drugs, weapons, theft, and warrant offences.
Six knives and an imitation firearm were seized, along with quantities of methylamphetamine, heroin and cannabis.
A 23-year-old man from Windsor, who was wanted on warrants, was allegedly found in possession of a hunting knife. He was charged with Possess Prohibited Weapon and was bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on 22 June.
A 46-year-old man from South Melbourne was arrested during a search warrant at his home, where police seized an imitation firearm, a quantity of drugs, counterfeit money and allegedly stolen goods. He was charged with possessing a drugs of dependence and counterfeit money, and deal property suspected of being proceeds of crime. He was remanded in custody.
A 47-year-old man from St Kilda was tracked and apprehended following an aggravated theft Incident in Acland Street. He was charged with theft, assault with a weapon, deal property proceeds of crime, and resist police. He was bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on 13 July.
More operations are expected in the future
According to the latest crime data, crime on Fitzroy Street has decreased by 42% since 2015.
Thefts from cars and theft (other) are the equal most common crimes on Fitzroy Street, which most often relates to a wallet, or a phone being stolen when the owner puts it down, as opposed to a violent robbery.
Police are reminding residents to lock their car doors and windows and to not leave valuables in plain sight, to deter opportunistic thieves.
The third most common crime on Fitzroy Street was property damage.
St Kilda police conduct daily foot patrols of the area and speak with locals, and offer outreach support to those experiencing housing, mental health, or drug-related issues.
St Kilda Uniform police’s Acting Senior Sergeant Michael Donaldson told TWiSK that the highly visible police presence not only allows us to respond quickly to incidents that do occur, it also deters crime from occurring in the first place.
“This operation is driven by Port Phillip Neighbourhood Policing Team, with a focus on community engagement with local stakeholders and traders, and we will continue to conduct it again in the future.
“We’ve seen a significant decrease in crime along Fitzroy Street in the past ten years, however, we remain committed to further reducing harm to keep residents, visitors, traders and shoppers safe.”
Police said they will continue to engage with council, residents, and traders, ensuring police resources are allocated to the issues creating the most harm.
