Family violence, drug use and disconnected youth are all targets of a joint Maribyrnong council and Footscray police plan to make the region safer.
The Shared Approach to Safety Strategy, unveiled at last night’s council meeting, outlines a commitment to address both perceived and actual levels of safety in Maribyrnong.
A report on the strategy notes perceptions of safety are slowly improving as crime rates fall, but the annual community survey continues to identify safety, policing and crime as major areas of concern.
Recorded crimes in Maribyrnong dropped from 8898 in 2012 to 8092 in 2014, with theft by far the most prevalent.
The new strategy outlines priority areas for action as preventing violence against women, creating safe environments, building community and reducing harm from alcohol and other drugs.
Steps to cut family violence will include parenting programs, boosting participation of women and girls in sport and working with partners such as the Western Bulldogs’ Sons of the West.
Maribyrnong Inspector Tony Long said one of the most important aspects of police work was preventing crime and improving safety.
“We seek to develop links within council, schools, local business and diverse community groups to reduce the incidence and impact of crime,” he said.
