Residents and local politicians have raised concerns over further cuts to counter hours at Keilor Downs Police Station as well as a lack of police officers across Brimbank.
Counter hours at Keilor Downs Police Station are now 10.15am-5.45pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, temporarily reduced from eight hours a day.
The cuts follow earlier reductions in November 2023, when Victoria Police announced it would temporarily reduce the station’s counter hours from 24 hours a day to eight hours a day.
Star Weekly understands there were also discussions to close the Keilor Downs Police Station in December last year.
Convenor of Keilor/Taylors Lakes Action Group and Justice of the Peace at Keilor Downs Police Station Fred Ackerman said reception counter hours are essential to the community, particularly at a time when crime rates are increasing.
“We’d be looking for increased hours rather than reduced, especially on the back of the exponential growth across the area running out to Fraser Rise,” he said.
“In addition to that, the issue is that we’ve had an increasing number of incidents at Watergardens for which police presence and attendance prompt urgent attendance.”
Mr Ackerman believes the further reduction in hours is effectively a gradual closure of Keilor Downs Police Station.
Liberal upper-house member for Western Metropolitan Trung Luu said reduced counter hours was of “great concern” especially for those experiencing family violence.
“This is one avenue that has enabled victims and survivors of family violence to contact police,” said Mr Luu, who served in the police force for 28 years.
“They can’t just get the phone, especially when their partner is in the house.
“If you’re closing down the local police station you’re taking away access to make any proper report they need to do which is critical.”
St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman said she wants to see more police on the streets of Brimbank.
“I will continue to strongly fight for more police on the streets of Brimbank, as a local and also as a member of parliament,” she said.
“And ensure that community safety is a priority.”
It comes as police data revealed the Brimbank LGA had lost 25 police officers from December 2024 to December 2025, the highest in the state.
On social media, Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos said while police are doing their best, their resources are stretched.
“Businesses and streets are forced to [hire] their own private security to protect their shops and streets because they feel unsafe and are being forced to tackle an increase in crime on their own,” Cr Tachos said.
At Caroline Springs Police Station, where residents have campaigned for years to keep it open 24 hours a day, counter hours have also been temporarily reduced, from 9am–5pm daily to 10am–6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said reduced counter hours would allow more officers to spend time in the community to prevent and respond to crime.
“It is a reality Victoria Police has a significant number of vacancies, and we must put our valuable resources where they have the biggest impact,” the spokesperson said.
“The best place for highly skilled police officers is out in the community preventing crime and keeping people safe, not sitting behind a desk.”
The spokesperson said the updated reception hours reflect times when locals are most likely to need assistance with administrative matters.
“Outside of times when the reception counter is closed, people needing to go to a police station are urged to attend nearby Sunshine and Melton police stations which remain open 24/7.
“In an emergency, the community is always directed to call triple-0 or for non-urgent reports call the police assistance line on 131 444.”
