Max Hatzoglou
Police, Brimbank council and homelessness support group Inspire Hope are working to address ongoing crime problems in St Albans.
Residents have been raising concerns about drug activity, thefts, sales of stolen goods and an increase in groups congregating and drinking alcohol around Alfrieda Street and Errington Reserve in St Albans.
According to police, 17 people have been arrested in the area in the last three months for offences including handling stolen goods, assaults and drunkenness, while a number of infringement notices have also been issued. There have been over 300 public contacts with police during this time.
Latest Crime Statistics Agency data reveals that St Albans recorded the highest number of offences in Brimbank in 2021, with 4161 offences recorded by police.
That figure was a decrease of 216 offences from 2020, but is still significantly higher than any other suburb. Sunshine recorded the second highest number of offences in 2021 (2292).
Brimbank Inspector Trevor King said discussions with Brimbank council and local traders were held in December, 2021, to try and address the issue in St Albans.
“As a result of these discussions Brimbank Council, Inspire Hope and Victoria Police agreed to collaboratively work together to resolve some of the underlying issues giving rise to these behaviours,” Inspector King said.
“Local Police commenced Operation Backstreets which focused on having a highly visible police presence through both mobile and foot patrols, increased engagement with traders and users of Errington Reserve.”
As part of the operation, CCTV camera use was increased while a number of rough sleepers around Errington Reserve were were relocated to suitable accommodation.
“There have been significant inroads made but there is still work to be done and focus on this area remains,” Inspector King said.
Brimbank council community wellbeing director Lynley Dumble described the issues at Errington Reserve and Alfrieda Street as a “complex situation”.
“The return of the wider community post lockdowns led to conflict regarding the use of public spaces and facilities,” Ms Dumble said.
“This is a complex situation and requires co-ordinated responses from a range of stakeholders to provide long term solutions to ensure all people feel safe in going about their everyday activity in the area”
Ms Dumble said council had applied for funding from the state government’s Building Safer Communities program to improve community safety around Errington Reserve.
developments and activation activities both within the Errington Reserve precinct and surrounding area.”
“If the Errington for Everyone application is successful, it will deliver public realm improvements and a ‘community connector’ initiative,” she said.
