Mounted police in Bendigo targeting carrying of edged weapons

Central Bendigo was declared a designated area from 10am-5pm on Thursday, giving police powers to stop and search people without a warrant.

It's involved everything from mounted police, Bendigo officers, and even a "canine member" of the dog squad

Read more: Crackdown after worrying rise in edged weapon crime

Greater Bendigo Local Area Command Inspector Troy Hargadon said "Operation Omni" was a response to intelligence about community members using weapons.

Inspector Hargadon said Thursday's activities were a targeted operation to address the harm that caused.

"Anyone who wants to bring a weapon into the community is not acceptable. We certainly won't tolerate that and nor should the community," he said.

"Today is about moving those weapons ... and making our community feels safe and supported, so that everyone can enjoy what is a beautiful place to be.

"It's quite a significant investment of resources ... to make sure everyone feels safe ... and that we remove those items and the persons carrying [them] from the community."

Inspector Hargadon said police powers to stop illegal weapon use were not limited to situations such as Operation Omni.

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He said people were "kidding themselves" if they thought they weren't going to be found when carrying a weapon or illegal substance.

Inspector Hargadon said Bendigo police were working with the city council and business council around their visible presence in the CBD.

He said most community members had welcomed the strong presence.

Inspector Hargadon said anyone found with a weapon would either appear in court, or receive a fine, depending on their criminal history, the circumstances and the type of weapon.

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