Keep an eye out … Werribee Police community liaison officer Tracey Ogle with the CCTV van that will patrol local streets. 37338 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Bridie Byrne
WERRIBEE Police have a new weapon to combat crime across the municipality.
A colossal CCTV van revealed to Star is set to bolster the police presence while monitoring streets, car parks and shopping centre surrounds every fortnight.
Senior Sergeant Angelo Ferrara said the well-oiled machine would also clamp down on theft of and from motorcars at railway stations.
He said the police were tackling coverage problems, in particular the areas of Manor Lakes and Point Cook.
The major operation follows a failed attempt by Wyndham City Council to boost police numbers. High-level talks between the council, Victoria Police and the State Government brought the severe lack of numbers to a head last month.
The meeting between the political heavyweights had been in the works over the last five months.
Sen Sgt Angelo Ferrara said the van would also act as a point of contact for the community.
“Given the size and impressive look of the van, we expect it to draw considerable attention from the public and this is welcome,” he said.
“We at Werribee take seriously the need to always improve our service to the public, part of that service is the interaction with the local people, many of whom never had cause to deal with police. “We want to open that communication up further, listen to their concerns, answer their questions.”
He said there was a good cross-section of policing expertise for the public to draw information from.
“Two members will be rostered on the CCTV van as a base resource, with additional members assisting from time to time,” he said.
“The members will be from the uniform primarily, with the plan to also use the TMU and other units.”
The first operation has geared up to patrol around the Werribee Plaza, the Point Cook Town Centre and the Manor Lakes Shopping Centre on 14 October starting at 9am.
