Victoria Police District Inspector Robert Hill, Casey mayor Kevin Bradford and Leading Senior Constable Glenn Kilburn at a recent police address to Casey councillors.By Callan Date
THERE are no street gangs in Cranbourne, drug-related crime is up in the local area and the City of Casey is a unique and safe place to live in.
They were just some of the thoughts of Victoria Police District Inspector Robert Hill when he spoke to Casey councillors on Tuesday.
Insp Hill addressed several topics in his 30-minute presentation and outlined the approach police would be taking to address problem areas in the city over the next few years.
He highlighted the areas that were working well throughout the municipality, including graffiti enforcement and the reduction of road fatalities.
However, he also pointed out issues where police needed to improve in.
Insp Hill said police enforcement of illegal drug activity throughout Casey had not been at its best recently.
“We have taken our eye off the ball over the last few years in relation to drugs,” he said.
Figures shown revealed drug related offences were up in recent times.
But Insp Hill was quick to point out this would be a major part of the focus throughout the region in the next 12 months.
“We will be concentrating on alcohol and drug issues,” he said.
Insp Hill was full of praise for Casey Council’s innovative approach to graffiti and said the city was a leader in the area of graffiti removal and management.
He also outlined the reduction in crime in Casey’s major shopping precincts with increased patrols having a positive effect in the busy commercial areas.
Insp Hill rounded out his presentation by telling councillors he had full confidence in the City of Casey as a place to work in, live in, visit and socialise. “Casey is a unique area and it is a very safe place to live in,” he said.
“I’m confident in walking the streets of Casey after dark with my family.”
