Transit and Public Safety Command police and protective services officers are today (Wed.) conducting a safety blitz in Melbourne’s CBD as the city gears up for a jam-packed long weekend.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to travel into the city from Thursday to Sunday as major events return and the weather continues to improve.

It comes as patronage across the rail network continues to grow.

The highly-visible operation will see more than 100 uniform and specialist police and PSOs from TPSC saturate Melbourne’s CBD and surrounds.

A large part of the command is providing resources to the operation which aims to ensure commuters, whether they are returning to the office or visiting the city, feel safe and enjoy their activities without harm.

As part of their efforts, the command’s four-legged police from the Mounted Branch and Dog Squad will walk the streets and sniff out illegal activity, and officers from the Water Police Squad will cruise the Yarra River to identify and prevent crime.

Police from the Public Order Response Team will assist transit police and PSOs who will be targeting weapons offences at railway stations.

The proactive initiative aims to gather intelligence and deter anyone who may think that carrying a weapon in the community is acceptable.

Under the Control of Weapons Act 1990, Victoria Police has declared the Melbourne CBD a designated area for weapons searches.

Acting Superintendent Adam Tanner of the Public Order Response Team, said: “With the city preparing for one of the busiest weekends to date, there is no better time for us to increase our presence and remind the community that anti-social behaviour and carrying weapons will not be tolerated.

“This highly-visible operation is all about making sure commuters feel confident travelling to the city and enjoying what it has to offer.

“Everyone has a right to go about their activities safely so we’re here to ensure that happens.”