Police have been hammering home their community building credentials in a bid to improve safety in Footscray.
A police-led project to build a new wall and door at the Footscray Business Hub Centre last Wednesday was aimed at deterring people who have been using the area for anti-social behaviour.
Community liaison officer Matt Bextream said the build in Nicholson Street was prompted by ongoing issues with drug and alcohol use and loitering in the area, close to two childcare centres.
“It’s on the second level in a bit of an alcove,” he said.
“There are two childcare centres right in the vicinity and people were injecting drugs there and leaving uncapped syringes around.
“It had become a real health and safety issue.”
Bunnings West Footscray came on board to help, lending skills and materials to the project, with Senior Constable Bextream chipping in by rolling up his own sleeves.
“One of the biggest reasons was to try and reduce the amount of call-outs and time spent going to this location,” he said.
“It’s also a way to show that police are there to assist in many different ways.”
