By Alesha Capone
BRIMBANK and Melton will receive 18 new police officers across the next few months, with the bulk of new members going to Sunshine and Keilor Downs Police Stations.
Last week, Victoria Police announced 275 new police for the state – Brimbank will receive 13 of the new officers, while Melton will receive five.
Melton Inspector Mario Fiorentino said there would be a new detective added to Melton’s CIU, a sergeant each to Melton and Caroline Springs Police Stations and two constables or senior constables based at
Caroline Springs.
“Sunshine and Keilor Downs will get the significant numbers, Melton and Caroline Springs won’t get as big a slice as they don’t have the same problem and the same population growth,” he said.
“We’re happy with it, at the end of the day, that’s five officers we didn’t have last year, and we will continue to build our capability to serve the public and fight crime.”
Brimbank’s Acting Inspector Andrea McAlpine said the 13 new officers would include supervisors, constables and senior constables.
“What we do with those new numbers means we can have more police out on the street, to tackle crime and community issues, and continue to work with the partners we already have in the area, whether it’s on crime, traffic or public order issues,” she said.
Brimbank City Council administrator Peter Lewinsky said he looked forward to working with the area’s new police.
“In 2012, Brimbank City Council once again looks forward to continuing joint patrols with our local police as another element for improving community safety,” he said.
Susan Jennison, from the Keilor Residents and Ratepayers Association, said the new police would be “wonderful” for the area.
“I understand Keilor Downs is a very busy and active station, so the more personnel they get there, the better,” she said.
However, Clare Brennan from the Albanvale Residents Association, said Brimbank needed many more police.
“You can never get police when you want, we’ve got lots of hoons and trail bikes around here breaking the law, they’re having a picnic,” she said.
“We need a lot of people, 13 is the tip of the iceberg, I don’t see how that’s going to help out, it might be some relief but not much.”
