The suburb of Ravenswood was locked down today as Police Operation Orca continues to crack down on crime in Launceston.

“Today’s Operation Orca lockdown of Ravenswood in Launceston’s northern suburbs focused on executing warrants, conducting random breath tests and oral fluid tests, and searching vehicles in order to target offenders,” said Acting Sergeant Aziz Melick.

“As part of our continued focus on preventing and detecting crime in Launceston, today’s operation utilised around 20 members from Northern Road and Public Order Services, Uniform, CIB, and the 10-strong Operation Orca taskforce as well as several Police Dogs.”

Today’s Operation Orca activities resulted in:

• 580 Random Breath Tests conducted
• 2 drivers detected with illicit drugs in their system
• 2 offenders charged with unlawful possession (2 items of stolen property recovered)
• 4 offenders arrested on fail to appear warrants
• 2 offenders charged with firearms offences
• 1 offender arrested in connection with a family violence investigation.

Before today’s operation, Operation Orca had so far resulted in:

• 145 offenders arrested or charged by summons
• over 640 charges laid
• 13 firearms seized
• 11 motor vehicles clamped / confiscated.

Operation Orca has a focus on recidivist offenders – checking they are complying with court-ordered curfews, searching their houses and locating and arresting them after they commit further offences.

“By arresting and closely monitoring recidivist offenders the Operation Orca taskforce is trying to make life as uncomfortable as we possibly can for them.

“Our taskforce members monitor our most prolific recidivist offenders closely to hold them to account.”

The Operation Orca taskforce is also focused on volume crime.

“While we continue to have a high arrest and charge rate for volume crimes including home burglary, car burglary and shoplifting, police can’t reduce this type of crime on our own,” said Acting Sergeant Melick.

“We’re asking the community and business owners to help us by not making their homes, cars and businesses an easy target for thieves.

“Thieves are often opportunistic and by taking some simple steps including locking doors and windows, properties are made less appealing to criminals.”