Hobsons Bay police and council have joined forces with Altona Meadows residents who last month started conducting citizen night patrols to deter criminals.
The collaboration comes as recent statistics show crime increasing by 3.1 per cent in Hobsons Bay and 14.1 per cent in Maribyrnong.
In the 12 months to March 31, there were 6991 detected offences in Hobsons Bay, up from 6782 the previous year, according to figures released on Thursday by 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 119), Altona Meadows and Laverton 2189 (up 98), Newport and Spotswood 1212 (up 66); Altona, with 864 offences, had the smallest increase (12).
Last month, Star Weekly reported that Altona Meadows residents, spearheaded by Marlo Jueco, were mapping out crime hotspots in their suburb and doing their own patrols because of a lack of police action.
Mr Jueco said the council and police had since started to work with residents to target crime in his home suburb.
“I think it’s great that the authorities are starting to take notice of our area,” he said.
Hobsons Bay councillor Colleen Gates this month met with Mr Jueco and police inspector Michelle Young to discuss strategies.
“High level, we are looking to have council and police work together on a range of joint initiatives to improve traffic and community safety, and minimise speeding,” Cr Gates said.
“Potentially, that includes traffic-control opportunities, police patrols and speed cameras.
“The ongoing diligence and efforts of our community, in conjunction with the ongoing assistance and efforts of our local police, is exactly why Hobsons Bay is a safe place to live.”
Inspector Young said it was important to remember that Hobsons Bay recorded the lowest crime rise in the north-west metro region. “Increases don’t always mean that areas are becoming unsafe and, in detected crime such as family violence, it is showing that our community is more confident to report, and this is encouraged,” she said.
“It’s also pleasing to see our community is contributing to decreasing our crime and traffic issues, with relevant reporting to our police and also through Crime Stoppers.
“Recently, we’ve been able to identify some hoons within Altona Meadows, who are causing concern, through reports to Crime Stoppers,” she said.
“I’d encourage our residents to continue to share this information and their concerns as it builds a picture of what’s happening in our communities, and also may identify persons of interest that police may wish to speak to for assistance.”
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