By LAURA WAKELY
STAR EXCLUSIVE:
A NEW police taskforce is focusing on perceptions of safety and anti-social behaviour in the town centres of Brimbank and Melton.
The Safer Communities Taskforce, set up last month, includes a Senior Sergeant, two Sergeants and six constables who will run foot patrols in crime hotspots such as train stations and retail districts where perceptions of community safety are low.
Star revealed last year that Brimbank Police Service Area (PSA) had the lowest level of satisfaction in the state and low confidence in police (Cop that, Star, 13 December, 2011).
Superintendent Rick Nugent said the community had given police a higher approval rating in recent satisfaction surveys and hoped the new taskforce will continue to increase that satisfaction.
Supt Nugent said police were often called out to incidents of anti-social behaviour, which included young people gathering in large groups, and perceptions of gang activity.
“It’s about people continuing to be safe and to feel safe in community areas,” Supt Nugent said.
“Perceptions are reality. If they’re concerned then they’re concerned for a reason.”
It’s hoped the increased police presence will also deter crime.
The taskforce is mobile and will be deployed to new areas based on police intelligence and feedback from residents, traders and commuters, as well as Brimbank and Melton councils.
It will also work with and be supported by highway patrol, the operational response unit and transit police.
In its first few weeks it has been operating in the St Albans business district and train station area.
Initial feedback has been positive, with retailers saying they feel more secure and protected, but the taskforce is a trial and Supt Nugent said police will provide a flexible response to crime and the needs of the community.
In the coming weeks the taskforce will concentrate on railway station precincts.
The Safer Communities Taskforce comes after the announcement of Operation Bia, which will target recidivist offenders, and a crackdown by the Brimbank Burglary Unit.
Police are also working on reducing family violence by focusing on repeat calls and engaging community services, victims and perpetrators.
“We’re constantly looking at what we can do to provide the best service that our community,” Supt Nugent said.
