Commissioner crime talk

A meeting attended by Geelong council representatives and Victoria’s top cop could be the first step in addressing the community’s concerns about crime and public safety.

Councillor Trent Sullivan and City of Greater Geelong chief executive Ali Wastie met virtually with Victoria Police chief commissioner Mike Bush late last week as part of discussion convened by Regional Cities Victoria (RCV).

An alliance of the state’s 10 largest regional cities, RCV representatives including Cr Sullivan and Ms Wastie shared a range of priority issues with Commissioner Bush, such as the rise in youth crime and anti-social behaviour in public spaces.

The topics were particularly relevant to the Geelong community, with local concerns growing over the ongoing series of incidents endured by business owners and members of the public in the city’s CBD.

Representatives of the member councils discussed strengthening partnerships with Victoria Police, including daytime roles for protective services officers (PSOs) and adequate police staffing in growing regional centres.

They also sought advice on measures to protect traders from the increasing threat of tobacco-related arson and theft in regional areas.

Cr Sullivan said he was pleased to join the meeting alongside Ms Wastie.

“We spoke with Victoria Police chief Commissioner Mike Bush about the rapid increase in regional crime, particularly youth crime, and flagged the need for an increase in the number of manned hours at regional police stations,” he said.

“We also requested an expansion to the PSO network to cover regional bus stations and routes.

“Chief commissioner Bush has committed to ongoing communications and visits to the regions, along with a review of the manned hours at regional stations, and I welcome these commitments.”

RCV chair and Greater Shepparton mayor Cr Shane Sali said local leaders were hearing growing concerns from residents and businesses about escalating crime and safety issues.

“Community safety is now one of the biggest concerns of our regional cities,” he said.

“Regional councils are on the frontline of rising crime. We’re ready to partner with police on prevention, but we need assurance that regional policing resources keep pace with the scale and complexity of what we’re seeing on the ground.”

Cr Sali said RCV welcomed the chief commissioner’s “early engagement and commitment to a regional focus”.