By BRIDGET COOK
Police ramp up foot, mobile and covert patrols in Doveton and Endeavour Hills…
POLICE will be targeting crime hot spots in Doveton and Endeavour Hills as part of regeneration works to reinforce community safety in the area.
Endeavour Hills police have sent a strong message to the community that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated as they prepare to ramp up foot, mobile and covert patrols in the two suburbs.
Officers will particularly be targeting anti-social behaviour including drunkenness and drinking in public places, thefts, assaults and property damage in shopping strips, parklands and other public areas where these offences are prominent.
The move comes after Autumn Place Park was reopened in July following an overhaul, thanks to the Victorian Government’s Public Safety Infrastructure Fund Program to enhance safety and environmental outcomes.
Senior Sergeant Daniel Baynes said a lot of money had gone in to rejuvenating the park, so police wanted to do their bit across the suburbs to continue to stamp out anti-social behaviour.
Sen Sgt Baynes said the approach would help police reinforce safety in the community.
“Hopefully, our increased presence will give locals the confidence that their community is safe,” he said.
“We know that a lot of anti-social behaviour occurs between 6pm and 2am towards the end of the week.
“We’ll be patrolling hot spots including Doveton Pool in the Park, Autumn Place and surrounding areas issuing penalty notices to those doing the wrong thing.
“The City of Casey’s regeneration project at Autumn Place has made a significant difference in improving community facilities and the perceptions of safety – by creating open space, improving lighting in public areas and the replacement and relocation of the public toilet.
“Police patrols in these areas will continue the good work that has been done to date.”
Sen Sgt Baynes said police had also noticed a high number of theft from motor vehicles occurring in the area and would try to tackle that problem as well.
“People often unknowingly invite thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight within either a locked or unlocked vehicle. This can easily cause crime to spike,” he said.
“We’ll be checking vehicles and speaking to residents about applying basic security measures. Please remember to lock up and remove your valuables.”
River Gum Ward councillor Wayne Smith said he met with police this week, along with fellow ward councillor Damien Rosario, to visit with traders in Autumn Place.
“We want traders to step up and report problems,” he said.
“We know that anti-social behaviour is occurring, but sometimes police are not being made aware.
“Police are telling the community now that they want to know and want to get involved in improving community safety.
“This extends on what council and the State Government has already done in these areas to improve community safety.
“It’s a positive move for this area.”
