Locals are calling for the Caroline Springs police station counter to be extended to 24 hours a day to better combat increasing crime in Melton.
A Victoria Parliament petition urging a review of the station’s counter hours and police resourcing in the region has received more than 160 signatures.
Local resident Sean Montalto said the petition isn’t just about extended operating hours.
“It’s a catalyst for a comprehensive review of policing needs across the Melton region. With rising concerns around youth crime, break ins and theft, it’s critical we assess whether local police are adequately resourced to respond swiftly and effectively,” Mr Monalto said.
Numerous petitions calling for extended counter hours at the station have circulated since 2013.
Mr Monalto said he was prompted to “re-open” the petition after seeing an increase of crime news coverage in the area.
“I wouldn’t say I started [the parliamentary petition]. It has been wanted for a while, I just re-opened it with a fresh perspective and worked with local government to sponsor it.”
Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch, who sponsored the petition, told Star Weekly she continued to advocate for the community’s push to see more police resources in the area.
The petition comes after the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) revealed a 20.4 per cent increase in total offences in Melton in the 12 months to March this year.
The CSA also revealed an 8.7 per cent increase in total offences for Brimbank during the same period.
Decisions regarding counter hours at police stations are determined by Victoria Police, according to a Victorian government spokesperson.
“Our record $4.5 billion investment in Victoria Police means they can hire more than 3600 new sworn police officers. This includes 144 new police officers allocated to the Brimbank division, which services Caroline Springs,” the spokesperson said.
Even with the state government’s investment, local police continue to struggle with resources.
Melton local area commander, Inspector Lisa Prentice-Evans, said police resources continue to be committed towards offending that is causing the most community harm.
“We have been very open about our current staffing challenges …Although the [Caroline Springs’] reception counter is open from 9am to 5pm, police are still working at all hours of the day, and are actively out in the community preventing crime,” Inspector Prentice-Evans said.
She also said local police are well supported by specialist units within the police force.
But Mr Monalto said he believes a 24-7 public-facing presence would send a clear message to locals that help is always available.
“The common argument is that staffing a police station around the clock would divert officers from patrol duties and responding to urgent incidents … but that reasoning assumes a zero-sum approach to funding where resources must be shifted rather than expanded. Why should it be an either or scenario?” he said.
“Whether someone is experiencing domestic violence, needs to report a concern discretely or simply feels safer speaking to an officer in person rather than over the phone, they should have that option — day or night. It’s about accessibility, trust and ensuring our community feels supported at all times.”
