Guardians on the mean streets

By Bridget Cook
POLICE arrested two people during a blitz in central Dandenong on Saturday night aimed at helping reduce crime against international students.
Transit Police and members of the Operations Response Unit joined local police for Operation Guardian, which kicked off at 6pm, to patrol in and around Dandenong Railway Station and the town centre.
Operation Guardian aims to improve community safety, crack down on public order offences and reduce crime against international students.
More than 600 people were spoken to during the blitz, with police visiting eight licensed venues and 18 late night businesses.
As part of the operation, highway patrol members checked 425 vehicles and conducted 425 breath tests. Police only detected one drink driver.
The arrests made were for assault and other crimes.
Police also issued four penalty notices for public transport offences.
Dandenong Acting Inspector Russell Patten said while Operation Guardian very much focused on catching those doing the wrong thing, police were also focused on engaging with the community.
“Our police members spoke with a number of business operators in the area, who employ a large number of international students to discuss their safety concerns and issues,” Acting Insp Patten said.
“Engaging with the community in Dandenong gives us the opportunity to continue to improve safety in the area and build relationships within the community.”
The crackdown was the 32nd Operation Guardian in Victoria. Police said Operation Guardian will continue to be conducted across specific locations throughout the state.