Five months into his role as Brimbank Local Area Commander, Inspector Matthew Bui is enjoying the new opportunity he has taken on.
Inspector Bui took on the role in January and has had a busy few months of work getting to know the local community.
He said it was one that he was really enjoying.
“I’ve been with Victoria Police for 20 years and have come across as the new local area commander having been at professional standards command for the last three years,” he said.
“I have predominantly worked operationally in the north-west metro region particularly in the Banyule, Darebin and Whittlesea government areas.
“My role requires me to oversee how our local police at Sunshine and Keilor Downs police stations respond and engage with this fantastic community.
“I thoroughly enjoy frontline policing and engaging with the community and am committed to community safety.
“I am proud of the work your local police continue to achieve and their consistent dedication to ensure the Brimbank community feels safe and secure.”
It’s the first time for Inspector Bui working in the Brimbank area.
Inspector Bui said the biggest differences between Melbourne’s north and west, was the local issues and community demographics.
He said there had been several key areas that had stood out in Brimbank in his first five months in the role.
“We know that crime continues to be a challenge for us and is steadily increasing, however we are doing what we can to combat this with the support of other agencies and Brimbank council,” he said.
“Theft of motor vehicles and theft from motor vehicles remains an ongoing issue as is knife crime and youth offending which are of great concern to me.
“Whilst I see homelessness in the area, it is not a criminal offence, and we are working with Brimbank council and other stakeholders to obtain greater support services to assist those that are less fortunate than most.”
He said another focus had been making sure businesses were complying with liquor licensing laws.
Inspector Bui said issues in the St Albans CBD are an ongoing and police are committed to patrols in the area and responding to detect offences.
He said with the recent introduction of the St Albans CBD becoming a designated area due to alcohol related issues, an order is in place for 12 months giving police enhanced powers to move people on from the area.
Inspector Bui said the Sunshine CBD was another area of focus.
One issue that local community members have raised with Inspector Bui has been the limited hours that Keilor Downs police station is open, due to restricted counter service.
He said the focus of police members was to be visible and engaging with the community.
“We are still responding 24-7 in Keilor Downs,” he said. “My commitment to this community is for a visible and responsive police presence.
“While the station has restricted access hours, our community must know that there are many other ways to report crime or speak to police.”
