Officers continue to patrol the centre as part of a broader effort to increase uniformed visibility in major shopping precincts, with police noting that crime patterns are increasingly shifting into shopping centres.
The operation is designed to deter offending, respond quickly to incidents and provide reassurance during the busy summer period.
Operation PULSE is scheduled to run for 90 days, from 8 December to 28 February, with patrol locations able to change depending on crime data and operational requirements.
The increased presence has prompted a strong reaction online, with some residents expressing disappointment that patrols are needed in everyday spaces.
“So sad that this needs to happen for people to feel safe,” one person wrote, while another said: “Never ever thought this would happen in Australia — it’s a shame.”
A third comment echoed the sentiment: “So sad it has come to units needing to patrol shopping centres for everyone’s safety.”
For now, the focus remains on visibility — putting uniformed officers and PSOs on the ground to deter offending, respond quickly when incidents occur, and reassure shoppers and staff during one of the busiest times of the year.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed rumours circulating locally suggest the increased presence could evolve into something more permanent, including talk of a dedicated police video control centre being based on-site within the shopping centre’s management offices.
There has been no official announcement to that effect, but the speculation reflects a broader mood online: many residents say they welcome the extra safety measures, while also feeling uneasy that routine shopping trips now require a level of policing that once seemed unthinkable.
 maintaining visible presence at Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre as part of Operation PULSE){kind=link}