The police released the statement less than five hours after the joint-operation with Australian Border Force was announced

"We understand there has been a high level of community interest and concern which has been taken into consideration when making this decision," its statement read.

The Victorian police minister Wade Noonan was also forced to make a statement, revealing that the state government knew about the controversial operation, but perhaps it did not know about the visa checks.

"We were advised it would target anti-social behaviour and commuters to ensure people got home safely... Operation Fortitude was intended to be a standard police operation."

But he directed his anger at the Border Force's original press release.

"We fully support the decision by Victoria Police to cancel the operation after the unfortunate and inappropriate characterisation by the Australian Border Force today."