Residents can help guide police efforts in the battle against rising crime rates in a series of Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast forums this month.
The iniative follows Indy reports of a 20 per cent crime surge in one year and 37 per cent increases in theft and burglary in September.
Geelong police Superintendent Craig Gillard said open forums were a great opportunity for residents and business owners to raise their concerns.
“We look forward to hearing from our local communities as we really value what they have to say.”
“We are always looking at ways to strengthen relationships and further our engagement with the community.”
Local Area Commanders will chair the meetings, while local and specialist police will attend to address concerns specific to their expertise.
“Representatives from local organisations are also encouraged to attend as they form a vital part of our broader communities,” Supt Gillard said.
“Through combining the efforts of the police and the people of Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast areas, we give ourselves the best chance of keeping our community safe.”
Geelong Inspector Graham Banks chaired a forum in Barwon Heads recently and was scheduled to chair another in Corio this week (Thursday).
“One of the key things for (the Barwon Heads community) is people breaking in while residents are home to steal cars,” he said.
Insp Banks said the forums were an excellent source of intelligence for local areas, especially with yet-to-be-reported crime.
“They give us a better idea of what the priorities are.”
The forums also provided police a chance to educate locals on “crime prevention people can do in their own homes,” Insp Banks said.
Forum dates
Geelong Local Command Area:
Queenscliff – 7 November, 7pm to 9pm, Queenscliff Senior Citizens Hall.
Lara – 8 November, 7pm to 9pm, Lara Secondary College.
Portarlington – 14 November, 7pm to 9pm, Parks Hall.
Geelong – 16 November, 7pm to 9pm, Geelong West Town Hall.
Ocean Grove – 21 November, 7pm to 9pm, Ocean Grove Bowling Club.
Waurn Ponds – 22 November, 7pm to 9pm, South Barwon Civic Centre.
Drysdale – 23 November, 7pm to 9pm, Springdale Community Hall.
Surf Coast Local Command Area:
Apollo Bay – 9 November, 7pm to 9pm, Apollo Bay Bowls Club.
Lorne – 8 November, 7pm to 9pm, Mantra Resort.
Anglesea – 14 November, 5pm to 7pm, Anglesea CFA Meeting Room.
Winchelsea – TBA.
