Several Wyndham residents are calling on the community to join forces and establish a community-led crime task force for the Wyndham area.
Tarneit local Venkat Ram Upparlapalle said crime is a constant source of community anxiety, and is putting out an expression of interest to others who may be interested in creating a formal action group.
He said a community-led task force would empower locals to be part of the solution instead of feeling powerless.
“A community-led taskforce could bring residents, police, and council together to share information, identify hotspots, and push for practical solutions like CCTV, better lighting, and awareness programs,” Mr Upparlapalle said.
“This is needed because crime impacts people’s safety, confidence, and quality of life.
“A coordinated approach ensures residents feel heard, problems are acted on, and the community becomes safer and more resilient.”
Mr Upparlapalle said the proposed structure he had in mind would involve monthly meetings to discuss concerns and share safety strategies.
“Monthly meetings would work best to stay on top of issues, with extra meetings during high-crime periods like holiday seasons to respond quickly and keep the community engaged.”
Point Cook resident Dwayne Kelly said he would also be interested in helping form a community-led body to address crime and react to it in Wyndham.
“With the state of the crime happening in the west at the moment any contribution or new idea can help,” Mr Kelly said.
“The community is extremely paranoid, and crime is certainly one of the biggest topics of community talk. It dominates the conversations at school drop-offs.”
He said it could also be a way to beat feelings of helplessness about combatting crime.
“You do feel helpless, and other than protecting your own house, there is not much you can do at the moment.
“The crime rate is out of control, so I think it is important that everyone comes together and makes a loud noise about it.
“The more eyes and ears that are there to alert the authorities to things, is only going to be a good thing in the long run.”
Anyone interested in joining or submitting an expression of interest can reach out to VRUWimba@gmail.com
