Over 40 community members attended the Brimbank neighbourhood policing forum on Wednesday, June 11, to discuss current crime issues in the area.
Locals made police aware of concerns about general crime, drugs, youth-related crime, road safety and family violence.
Local Area Commander Inspector Matthew Bui said he was pleased with the engagement from attendees.
“Local community members took the opportunity to raise issues specifically about St Albans CBD including Alfrieda Street, the restricted counter service hours at Keilor Downs Police Station, police resourcing in the Brimbank area, as well as concerns around drug use within the local area of Sunshine.”
In relation to crime in Alfrieda Street, Inspector Bui said “police, supported by council, are working very hard to combat illegal trading… by conducting targeted patrols and operations”.
Councillors and ministers of parliament were also present at the meeting.
In a Facebook post, Cr Maria Kerr said “police acknowledged they are very understaffed.”
“We need urgent state government funding for more CCTV, lighting and police resources,” she wrote.
Inspector Bui agreed that “resourcing is a challenge” but said police “continue to provide a 24-7 response to the community.”
Police also addressed the theft of belongings, especially tools, from vehicles in the area.
”To assist police with identifying stolen equipment, please record the serial numbers of your tools and take photographs as it greatly helps us track down the rightful owners,” said Inspector Bui.
According to data released by the Crime Statistics Agency earlier this year, theft from vehicles is the most common offence in Brimbank.
