By BRIDGET SCOTT
POLICE hope that a new community initiative will empower the public and keep people’s most prized possessions safer.
On Tuesday, an initiative called a Safe Southeast was launched at the Narre Warren Police Station with the aim of creating safer suburbs and reducing the rate of property crime.
Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius officially launched the new project, which will include both uniform police and detectives from the City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong and Cardinia Shire.
Safe Southeast Tactical Anti-Crime Teams (TACT) will target crimes against property, such as theft of cars, theft from cars, burglaries and shoplifting.
Mr Cornelius said he was eager to launch the initiative and start lowering the crime rate throughout these three cities.
“The community we serve is our focus,” he said.
“We do this with a view to make our streets safer.”
Mr Cornelius touched on the rapidly growing population in the City of Casey, and mentioned there will be a focus on youth in the area, not only as offenders, but also as victims.
“We will focus on the role of young people, not only as perpetrators but as victims, too,” he said.
“We are looking into how we help young people and how we deal with the issue.”
The new project will involve about three teams of 10, strategically placed in crime hot spots throughout the three municipalities.
Mr Cornelius is looking forward to working with the community and hopes this will remind people to do what they can to protect their property.
“We want to try and change behaviours,” he said.
“Far too many people don’t lock their cars and homes.”
Mayors from each city attended the launch, with each expressing their excitement at making the community a safer place.
City of Greater Dandenong Mayor Angela Long described it as “a fantastic initiative”, while Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen touched on the property and business development in the area, and said “we look forward to being a partner in this”.
City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon said she looks forward to empowering the community.
“It will reduce opportunity and encourage proactive engagement giving the community a sense of control,” she said.
“Community safety is always a top priority.”
With the project now underway, the instigators of this are hoping to see it replicated throughout other states.
The focus will be not only be in the home and around vehicles, but police will also work with retailers to increase the safety of businesses.
Mr Cornelius said he was confident that all sections of the community can contribute to crime safety.
“It is about all of us working together to make a difference,” he said.
