POLICE are hoping crime at Melton railway station will decline with the introduction of five protective services officers.
The PSOs started work last week and will work eight-hour shifts until the last train every day.
Melton is the first V/Line station to get PSOs as part of a statewide rollout.
Melton’s Inspector Stephen Mutton said the railway station and Woodgrove shopping centre were the two main areas for violent behaviour in Melton.
“We’ve had reports of people assaulted and robbed in the car park, but not many; it’s only a small number. There’s a lot of theft from cars and behaviour issues. Some of that crime is not reported to us. People will now know they can’t muck around and behave in that manner.”
Inspector Mutton said the PSOs would improve safety, especially for late-night commuters.
For Steven Attard, becoming a PSO is a stepping stone to a career as a police officer.
“It’s a fantastic experience, I hope to move over to being a police officer, but for the time being I’m happy to do this,” he said.
“It will be good to learn the foundation skills and be directly involved with the public.”
