By NICOLE VALICEK
MORE protective service officers (PSOs) were deployed in Hobsons Bay last week, with Altona the latest railway station to receive the extra protection.
Hobsons Bay Police Inspector Richard Paterson said police and PSOs are working closely together to improve community safety on and around train stations.
“PSOs play a critical role in making sure we have a public transport system where the community is safe and feels safe,” Insp Paterson said.
He said PSOs focus on preventing and managing antisocial behaviour, alcohol and drug-related offences, weapons offences, property damage and crimes against the person.
They not only patrol the railway station platforms but also in the adjoining areas such as carparks and walkways.
Insp Paterson said many of the infringements detected by the PSOs are alcohol-related.
“Alcohol is a real driver of crime, particularly anti-social behaviour, and I think it’s important for police and PSOs to show a zero tolerance approach at these community locations.”
Member for Western Metropolitan Region MP Bernie Finn said PSOs are making a difference to public safety and people using Altona station would benefit from their presence.
“We know the majority of people who use Altona station are there to get on a train, not cause trouble,” Mr Finn said.
“Unfortunately, they are trouble-makers out there who make people feel unsafe. The deployment of the PSOs to the station from 6pm every night will change that.”
PSOs have been working on the public transport network since February 2012, with 362 deployed across 50 stations, including Laverton and Newport, from 6pm until after the last train at night.
Since the first deployment in February last year to December 2012 Victoria Police made almost 1400 arrests as a result of the work of PSOs.
Local Sergeant Michael Keddie said other railway stations in Hobsons Bay including Laverton had a problem with youth congregating around the station which would make commuters uncomfortable.
He said since the deployment of PSOs there has been a noticeable decrease in the amount of offences and anti-social behaviour.
Insp Paterson agreed the visible physical presence of PSOs has also prevented incidents from occurring at Laverton and Newport railway stations and will have the same effect in Altona.
“The end result will be to make the area a safer place to be,” he said.
Insp Paterson said there was funding for more PSOs in the next financial year but did not know where they would be deployed.
