HOBSONS Bay’s new police inspector Richard Paterson says uniformed police on the street are critical in fighting crime.
After joining the force in 1984, Inspector Paterson spent most of his time in “operational policing at the front line” before ending up at the state control centre.
“Prior to starting here, I was working at the State Emergencies and Security Department and that involved, at a state level, mainly dealing with bushfires and floods.”
His most recent post was officer-in-charge at Prahran police station.
“My focus — and I suppose it’s because of the background and being in charge of a police station — I think I have a good idea of what the community’s needs are, and I think a visible police presence is absolutely crucial to this area,” Inspector Paterson said.
“So, [it’s about] a visible police presence, which is people in uniform . . . which we’re continuing to do, particularly in Pier Street and the foreshore area.
“We saw an increase in thefts over summer of handbags and wallets and those types of things. A visible police presence, which is foot patrols in the area, has seen those rates really decline.”
After two consecutive years of crime rises in Hobsons Bay, Inspector Paterson says new strategies have been implemented this year.
He said a crime impact team was established in the past fortnight to deal with crimes occurring in large numbers, such as thefts from cars, thefts of cars, house burglaries and assaults.
