The Victorian Branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia has welcomed the state government’s decision to extend and expand ‘Operation Pulse’, the policing initiative that sees police and Protective Services Officers (PSOs) patrol major shopping centres across Victoria.
More boots on the ground
The expansion will reportedly see an additional 150 PSOs recruited and regulations changed to “enable PSOs to patrol in more places where there is crime and anti-social behaviour”, including local shopping strips.
Victorian Branch President George Tambassis says the announcement will be felt directly by pharmacy staff.
“The extension of Operation Pulse is a welcome announcement for community pharmacies and the staff who serve Victorians every day,” he says.
Retail crime increasing
According to Mr Tambassis, the impact of retail crime on pharmacy teams has been mounting.
“Our members in shopping centres and shopping strips have reported an increase in retail crime and anti-social behaviour, and it is having a real impact on pharmacy businesses and their teams,” he says.
Mr Tambassis says many pharmacies have already had to “invest in additional security measures”, so the expanded operation will offer some relief.
“The expansion of Operation Pulse will provide reassurance to members who have had to invest in additional security measures to protect their staff, patients and premises,” he says.
Operation Pulse began in December 2025 and, since its inception, the Guild reports that “more than 1700 people have been arrested and more than 3500 charges have been laid”.
“The Guild has also been working closely with the Shopping Centre Council of Australia to address the growing crime and safety issue in shopping centres,” says Mr Tambassis.
“We welcome these practical measures that help improve safety for businesses, workers and the communities they support.”
