A MAN was arrested last week as part of a police operation targeting Bayside Shopping Centre.
From 12 January to 28 February, Victoria Police have the power to conduct weapons searches on people without warrants within the shopping centre precinct. The designated area (pictured right) declaration is part of Victoria Police operation “Pulse”.
As part of the operation, police arrested a man in Frankston on 13 January. Police allege he punched a hole in a wall and attempted to assault police before receiving a notice to leave the area. Later that day he allegedly returned to the shopping precinct, stole from a department store, damaged six vehicles in the carpark, and stole a wallet. He was arrested near Frankston Railway Station.
The 19-year-old Bacchus Marsh man was charged with 28 offences. They include criminal damage, burglary, theft from motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, assault police, and commit indictable offence whilst on bail. He has faced Frankston Magistrates’ Court, and was further remanded into custody.
In a statement, Victoria Police said Operation Pulse is “targeting retail crime, anti-social behaviour, and weapon offences.
“The message is clear; we want shoppers and retail staff to feel safe. Police will be working closely with shopping centre security to help deter incidents of aggression, theft and combat those intent on carrying weapons in our prominent community locations.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 20 January 2026