The opening hours of Caroline Springs Police Station have been cut despite community calls for the station’s front desk to be open around the clock.
Victoria Police announced temporarily reduced hours for the station on 30 January via a post on the Eyewatch – Melton Police Service Area Facebook page.
According to the post, the station’s counter hours will be Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10am and 6pm, reduced from 9am-5pm daily.
A Victoria Parliament petition urging a review of the station’s counter hours and police resourcing in the region received 457 signatures last year.
It called on the state government to urgently review policing needs across the City of Melton and make Caroline Springs a 24-hour police station.
Local resident Sean Monalto said the outcome of the petition was disappointing.
“We didn’t get the numbers we were hoping for. I’m absolutely disappointed with the outcome,” Mr Monalto said.
“The current government hasn’t shown any indication that the safety of Victorians is a priority.
“Victoria’s safety has gone down the toilet.”
Police minister Anthony Carbines was contacted for comment. A Victorian government spokesperson responded, telling Star Weekly police officers were not needed “sitting behind a desk”.
“The best place for highly-skilled police officers is out in the community preventing crime and keeping people safe, not sitting behind a desk,” the spokesperson said.
“Keeping Victorians safe in 2026 means prioritising frontline police patrols.”
Despite the changes in desk hours, the spokesperson ensured police presence in the community would not be affected.
“There have been no changes to the police deployed to your community. All Victorians continue to receive a 24-hour, seven-day police response,” the spokesperson said.
“Changes to counter services will ensure police are conducting patrols and responding to calls for assistance – providing a more visible presence to keep our community safe.”
In an emergency, the community is always directed to call triple-0 or for non-urgent reports, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
