Foot patrols working to stamp out crime across Brimbank are here to stay.
The Safer Communities Taskforce took to the streets in August last year with the aim of preventing crime and raising public perceptions of safety with a visible police presence.
The taskforce, which is deployed as needed across the municipality, has proved so popular it is now permanent, and Brimbank’s Inspector Chris Gilbert says it has reduced street assaults.
Sergeant Murray Trudel said the taskforce focused on foot patrols and proactive policing.
“We’re not all that big, but we’ve been able to focus on the heavy crime areas in Brimbank, which include Sunshine CBD, St Albans CBD and Watergardens, and we’ve recently adopted Brimbank shopping centre as well,” he said.
“We’re intelligence-led so we focus on the areas that are hurting the most.
“We’ve reduced crime in those areas and we’ve noticed greater feedback from the community, including shopkeepers who say it’s now better to do business, and they’re feeling safer. We’ve focused a lot on antisocial behaviour and, through interaction with regular offenders, we can greatly reduce that behaviour, which can be drunkenness leading to assaults.”
Sergeant Trudel said every area had its own problems. Vehicle crime was prevalent in Watergardens, while antisocial behaviour was a problem in Sunshine.
The taskforce, which operates seven days a week, is now focusing on Sunshine CBD.
“We rely on information from the public; it’s the best way to be proactive about our patrols,” Sergeant Trudel said. “The only way to beat crime is through intelligence; we go out there and engage with everyone.”
Senior Sergeant Craig Peel added: “A lot of people who have historically disliked police have come to know and respect us because they see us, day in, day out, and know we have a role to play.”
