Police detain four in separate cable theft cases in Kampar and Kuala Kangsar

Victoria Police has announced that public counters will close at four inner Melbourne police stations starting October 4, according to Assistant Commissioner Jo Stafford. The decision is aimed at increasing the number of officers available for frontline duties and enhancing police visibility in the community. Despite the counter closures, the four stations – Collingwood, Fitzroy, Southbank, and North Melbourne – will continue to serve as operational bases, with officers working around the clock.

The move is part of Victoria Police's operational changes and aligns with ongoing debates about law and order ahead of the November state election. The closures come amid discussions between the Labor government and the Coalition opposition over police funding and resourcing, particularly in Melbourne. Victorian Premier Ben Carroll had previously promised more police stations would remain open for longer, while the opposition accused the government of breaking that promise by closing four counters.

The government maintains that operational decisions are made independently of the government, and they have announced the recruitment of 400 police reservists to address staffing concerns and enable more officers to be visible on the streets.