By Alesha Capone
Wyndham police have launched a Community Safety and Engagement Team (CSET) whose duties include patrolling shopping centres, recreational sites and other areas where general anti-social behaviour may “escalate”.
The municipality’s Local Area Commander, Acting Inspector Steve Hayes, said the CSET comprised of a sergeant, along with five constables and senior constables.
“The teams is focused towards providing a highly visible present around prominent community locations such as major shopping centres, public recreation centres such as Wyndham Park, Eagle Park Stadium and other key public thoroughfares and gathering points such as Werribee CBD and surrounds,” Acting Inspector Hayes said.
He said the team’s main duties included increasing community safety and confidence; crime reduction through prevention and deterrence; reducing road trauma through enforcement and increased presence; and engaging with the community to identify community safety issues and concerns.
“Rather than focusing on any particular shopping centre the team will look to ensure an active presence at locations where general anti-social behaviour can at times escalate to more serious behaviours which can create public safety concerns, or where we see developing trends or issues with general offending,” Acting Inspector Hayes said.
“Part of our focus is on engaging and intervening and ensuring the youth of Wyndham are actively involved in positive activities and don’t become influenced by the small numbers doing the wrong thing.”
Acting Inspector Hayes said the CSET has been launched as part of a broader initiative, moving towards the Victoria Police Neighbourhood Policing model.
He said that in the week since CSET has been up and running, they have “already been involved in a number of arrests and other interventions”.
About 5.30pm on January 18, CSET officers arrested three men, aged 18, 20 and 22 years old, at a Manor Lakes shopping complex.
Police said the 20-year-old is expected to be charged on summons for hindering and resisting police and possession of a controlled weapon.
All three men have been banned from the shopping centre.
A Manor Lakes Central centre management spokesperson confirmed they were “assisting the local Wyndham Police and the newly formed Wyndham Community Safety and Engagement Team in this matter”.
The spokesperson said: “The safety of centre retailers, their staff and customers remains of paramount importance.
“As the hub of the local community we are proud to collaborate with the relevant local authorities and community groups to provide a welcoming and safe environment for all.”
