In the 12 months since their deployment, Melton protective services officers have continued to provide a visible presence in the community and helped curb drug and damage-related offences in and around the railway station, according to police.
Acting Sergeant Luke Bristow said PSOs had improved public safety and provided reassurance to the community.
“Melton PSOs have also helped Melton police identify offenders who have committed offences outside the rail network but used the system to move around,” he said.
“As part of crime prevention at the railway station, Melton PSOs utilise proactive measures to reduce theft-related crimes by issuing registered owners of motor vehicles a ‘lock it and secure it’ notice advising them of ways to deter would-be thieves.”
Acting Sergeant Bristow said police and PSOs were working with local schools and businesses to implement a garden program at the station.
He said the program was aimed at improving the aesthetics of the station and would be an ongoing initiative that would be maintained by schools that would endeavour to foster a good relationship between police, PSOs and the community.
Acting Inspector Trevor King said that since their initial deployment in Victoria in February, 2012, PSOs had issued more than 29,000 infringement notices across the state.
There are 823 PSOs patrolling 131 stations from 6pm until the last train every night.
Acting Inspector King said data from the National Survey of Community Satisfaction with Policing, showed that as of June 2013, 38.1 per cent of people said they felt safe using public transport at night. This was up 4.1 per cent on the same time the previous year.
