Community safety forum explores crime trends

Victoria Police's Stephen O'Connell and Chloe Hayward, with Cr Susan McIntyre.

Wyndham residents were given the opportunity to hear from local and state level police officers about crime trends in the municipality at this year’s CommSafe Forum.

Police used data from the Crime Statistics Agency for the period April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 to analyse crime information relating to domestic violence, youth, drugs and hoon driving.

Victoria Police deputy commissioner regional operations Rick Nugent said the forum was a really good opportunity to hear firsthand from the community about their safety concerns.

“It is one of the most community groups [and] forums that we’ve had in a long time,” he said.

“Overall crime has had a decrease, we have had an increase in family violence incidents, again that is not a bad thing it means the community is confident to come forward and report those incidents, [and] we see youth offending is down, well down, that is excellent.

“I can assure you that the police…are absolutely passionate about community safety and providing interventions.”

Residents unable to attend the forum can submit questions and feedback via a dedicated email address.

Details: WYNDHAM-COMMUNITYSAFETY-MGR@police.vic.gov.au