By Tate Papworth
Brimbank police officers descended on shopping centres, train stations and other public spaces last week in an effort to gather insights and details about safety issues affecting the community.
The initiative – called Community Safety Networks – is a partnership project between Victoria Police, Victorian government, Crime Stoppers Victoria and Neighbourhood Watch.
Brimbank police officers were at Keilor Central last Tuesday to begin four days of community engagement in which they spoke with residents, business owners and commuters.
Brimbank Local Area commander Dallas Normington said police officers loved increasing their community connections.
“We’ll be speaking to people right across Keilor, Deer Park, Cairnlea, Sunshine, St Albans and Taylors Lakes … this is an opportunity for them to have a say on the key issues within Brimbank,” Inspector Normington said. “We know that people have great insight into their local community and ideas about other ways to prevent crime.
“Issues identified during this engagement activity will inform the development of local projects and initiatives to help improve community safety.”
The Community Safety Networks initiative kicked off last year with sessions held in Wyndham, Melton, Whittlesea, Cardinia, Latrobe and Ballarat. The second round included Brimbank, Dandenong, Frankston, Knox, Shepparton and Geelong.
Feedback can also be provided online: engage.vic.gov.au/brimbankcommunitysafety
