Representatives from across the community attended the Neighbourhood Policing Forum hosted by the Campaspe Police Service Area on Wednesday, September 4. Photos: Aidan Briggs
Policing questions were answered and updates shared at the Neighbourhood Policing Forum, held on Wednesday, September 4 by the Campaspe Police Service Area.
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The event gave members of the community a chance to engage with officers, who presented on the demographics of the region, youth, crime, family violence and road policing.
Representatives from Victoria Police included Detective Senior Sergeant Patrick Grelis, who spoke on crime; Acting Sergeant Dale Andrews who spoke on road policing; and panellists divisional commander Superintendent Brad Dixon, Western Region assistant commissioner Michael Grainger and local area commanders Inspector David Bowler.
Western Region assistant commissioner Michael Grainger was one of the featured panellists.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Attendees included business owners, councillors, State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh, school groups, community leaders and police officers from across the Campaspe Police Service Area.
Questions from the audience, both in advance and on the day, ranged from queries about foot patrol to the location of future CCTV cameras in Echuca, cybersafety, use of mobility scooters, laws around self-defence and approaches to reckless driving.
Acting Sergeant Dale Andrews addressed questions about road policing.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Police are looking to install CCTV cameras in the centre of town, working alongside Committee for Echuca Moama and local businesses to scope for locations and apply for government grants.
“We have a subgroup working to try and get CCTV cameras in the CBD,” Inspector Bowler said.
“We’re doing that at no cost to the community because we’re looking at that coming through with government grants.
“It won’t solve all our crime, but it will certainly go to help reducing some of those, and will just be another tool in the toolkit for us and another preventative measure.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Patrick Grelis presented on crime, fielding questions from residents.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
The forum allowed police to share proactive policing activities, as well as recent incidents they have responded to.
This includes the seizure of around $250,000 total of illicit tobacco over multiple raids at tobacconists in Echuca and Kyabram.
The main message brought home by each of the panellists and presenters was about reporting, encouraging the community to speak up and reach out to police.
Inspector Bowler also highlighted an improved response system, where victims and reporters of crime are kept updated on progress.
“We've also made a concerted effort to get back to you and inform you about what's happening when you do report crime to us,” he said.
Inspector Dave Bowler speaks at the Neighbourhood Policing Forum.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
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