Police will blitz shopping centres statewide during the April school holidays to deter shoplifting, car break-ins and other anti-social behaviour.
Metropolitan region Inspector Ricky Chadwick said police were responding to an increase in theft from shops and other offences involving young people that occurred during school holidays.
"It's timely that we start our operation as the school holidays begin," he said.
"We're focusing on local issues and we're taking policing to the community, including shopping centres that attract large crowds," he said.
The inspector urged parents to be aware of their children's whereabouts throughout the school break and to talk with them if they had concerns about their behaviour.
Inspector Chadwick said shopping centres and precincts attracted large crowds, and shoppers should be able to go about their business without interruption.
"The community and business owners should not be alarmed by the police presence. In fact, we would encourage them to chat with officers," he said.
The police operation will continue until the end of April.
