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Two Victorian PSOs standing in front of a yellow background. Police tap runs across the top of the image. The image is promoting the new 90-day PSO program to keep Victorians safe across the 2025/26 summer.

Crime Moves Around. So Do We.

A new 90-day targeted PSO program starting 8 December 2025 through to 28 February 2026 will see PSOs and Police patrol four of Melbourne’s busiest shopping centres over the 2025/26 summer.

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Bolstered Police and PSOs presence in shopping centres

Police data has identified that crime is on the move in shopping strips and centres Victorians use every day. The data also reveals that having a more visible uniform presence at shopping centres will help those working at and visiting the centres feel safer.

That’s why PSOs (Protective Service Officers) and Police will also patrol four of Melbourne’s busiest shopping centres over the summer, in a new 90-day targeted police operation starting 8 December 2025 through to 28 February 2026. The four major shopping centres are:

  • Northland
  • Eastland
  • Highpoint
  • Fountain Gate

While patrols will start at these four centres, the locations may change at a moment’s notice, as it will be guided by intelligence, crime data and calls for assistance.

All shifts as part of this summer operation will be voluntary duties undertaken by PSOs and Police on planned rest days, ensuring there will be no impact on PSO presence on the transport network or other resourcing.

Using police data to fight crime

Victoria has more than 1,200 PSOs who keep us safe. Currently, PSOs patrol train stations, trains, trams and major bus interchanges. However, with crime moving around – so should PSOs. So that’s why they are joining forces with Police for these shopping centre patrols.

Retail theft, anti-social behaviour and weapons offences will be a focus of the operation. Victoria Police has declared all four shopping centres designated areas for weapons searches for the entire 90-day operation, with the potential for other centres to be declared based on changing data.

Police and PSOs conducting weapons searches will be equipped with wands as part of this operation to help remove more knives from the community. These wands provide a non-invasive search option and are also a safer alternative for our members than performing a pat-down search on someone who may possibly be armed.

More information

Visit the Victoria Police website to learn about staying safe when travelling on public transport.

Visit the Transport Victoria website to learn more about the safety features in place at stations and onboard transport.

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