Hobsons Bay police and the council have developed the first community safety accord aimed at reducing crime in the city.
The collaboration comes as new data shows crime increasing by 3.1 per cent in Hobsons Bay for the 12 months to March 31.
There were 6991 detected offences in Hobsons Bay, up from 6782 the previous year, according to the Crime Statistics Agency.
Brooklyn, which crosses over into Brimbank, recorded 2179 offences, 172 more than the previous year.
Williamstown and Williamstown North recorded 1337 offences (up by 119); Altona Meadows and Laverton 2189 (up 98); Newport and Spotswood 1212 (up 66); Altona, with 864 offences, had the smallest increase (12).
Mayor Peter Hemphill said theft from vehicles was one crime residents could immediately help prevent.
“Vehicle break-ins are a significant problem in Hobsons Bay and local residents need to be more vigilant to reduce crime in this area,” he said.
Police Inspector Michelle Young said it might seem obvious, but one of the easiest things people could do was lock their vehicles.
“Lock your car, hide your valuables and try to park in well-lit areas where you can,” she said.
Inspector Young urged residents to report anything suspicious to triple-0 or Crime Stoppers.
“Every little bit of information involving vehicle registrations or descriptions helps us help you.”
Altona North mother Helen Bertocci is also involved in the accord, saying she wants to make the community safer for her girls Ashlee, 15, and Brylee, 2.
Her husband, Roger Bertocci, was fatally stabbed after going to the aid of a pregnant woman being assaulted just metres from their home on December 14, 2014.
“I go back to how Roger and I brought up Ashlee in her neighbourhood, allowing her to venture out – for the neighbourhood to know her as much as she needs to know her neighbourhood,” Mrs Bertocci said.
“We’ve set boundaries, as well as giving her leeway to explore, and she’s always returned home safe and sound.
“For me, obviously, with what’s happened with our tragedy with Rog … he went out and he didn’t return home safe and sound.
“I’d very much want my youngest to be able to venture out. I want her to know her neighbourhood and her neighbourhood to know her as well.”
As reported by Star Weekly, Altona Meadows residents have started conducting citizen night patrols to combat crime in their suburb.
