Safety forces launched a large operation dubbed “Operation Zero” within the Norwood Zone of Particular Operations (ZOSO) on Wednesday, aiming to keep up a murder-free yr throughout the space for 2025.
The operation, which started round 4:00 a.m., is a part of a broader initiative designed to make sure zero murders happen throughout the Norwood and Mount Salem zones. Based on Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ainsley McCarthy, who serves as floor commander for the ZOSOs, the initiative seeks to duplicate the success achieved in 2024, when Norwood recorded zero murders for the complete yr.
“Final yr we had a zero homicide yr and we intend to maintain it that manner for this yr,” McCarthy said. Whereas the Mount Salem ZOSO recorded one homicide final yr, the objective for 2025 is to get rid of all homicides throughout each zones.
Throughout Wednesday’s operation, a 9mm Glock pistol outfitted with a modification chip that allows computerized firing was recovered from beneath an deserted constructing. Alongside the weapon, lead sheets generally related to lottery scamming have been additionally discovered.
Although no arrests have been made associated to the pistol, a separate discovery of 9 9mm cartridges at one other location led to the detention of two people. A number of males taken into custody in the course of the operation can be interviewed, with costs to be laid if warranted.
The operation primarily focused areas alongside Wugga Lane, Bluebell Crescent, and surrounding zones. DSP McCarthy emphasised that sustaining a zero-murder charge is a testomony to the effectiveness of the ZOSO initiative and the cooperation of group residents.
“For the whole thing of final yr, anyone who knew Norwood earlier than the Zone of Particular Operations would know that for a given yr you’d have between 20 and 30 murders within the house. Final yr, we had zero murders and so it’s a testomony that the Zone of Particular Operations is working and the residents are fairly happy,” McCarthy mentioned.
Based on McCarthy, residents are supportive of the initiative and have expressed satisfaction with the heightened safety presence, noting enhancements in security and financial stability.
“Whenever you discuss to the individuals, they categorical their pleasure at having the zone right here as a result of economically the worth of a few of their homes have gone up… We had individuals who had run away earlier than the zone began who at the moment are coming again to occupy their premises,” he defined.
The safety forces plan to proceed their efforts underneath Operation Zero, with additional operations anticipated to make sure the protection and well-being of residents all year long.
