The state government and Victoria Police remain tight-lipped on when Melton will get extra police, amid calls from councillors for swift action.
Melton council has decided to write to Police Minister Lisa Neville requesting details of how many new officers will be deployed to Melton and Caroline Springs and – “given the escalating level of anti-social behaviour” – that she review her position on the opening hours of the Caroline Springs police station.
The approach to Ms Neville, moved by Cr Steve Abboushi, was unanimously endorsed by all councillors.
But in a statement to Star Weekly, Ms Neville refused to disclose any details about the commitment of Victoria Police and the state government to Melton or when announcements would be made.
“We are not only funding the additional police but, alongside the police association, we have signed up to an allocation model so that we can ensure new police go to those communities with the highest need,” Ms Neville said.
“As the chief commissioner has indicated, one of those communities with high needs is Caroline Springs.”
Last December, the state government announced that more than 3000 police officers would be recruited in the next four years, with more than 2000 slated for front-line duties.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Lisa Beechey said there were no plans to review Caroline Springs police station counter hours, saying the organisation preferred to have police out on the road detecting and responding to crime rather than sitting in police stations.
