A new police mini-squad is on the beat to curb crime and antisocial behaviour around Wyndham’s shopping centres and train stations.
The team conducts mobile and foot patrols at Werribee CBD, Pacific Werribee, Point Cook town centre, and Sanctuary Lakes and Williams Landing shopping centres.
Police are also working closely with Protective Services Officers at Hoppers Crossing and Werribee stations, patrolling the stations during the day.
Senior Sergeant Peter Bitton said the five-member community safety team was deployed to different locations depending on police data and intelligence.
They focus largely on preventing crime, executing arrest warrants and dealing with antisocial behaviour.
Senior Sergeant Bitton said the team, in operation for the past three months, would continue as long as there was the need and resources to do so.
“The feedback from Pacific Werribee and shopkeepers at Werribee’s CBD is that it’s good to have the police presence,” he said.
The team recently arrested a 30-year-old Williamstown man who was believed to have stolen cheese and other items valued at $3300 from a Pacific Werribee store over two months.
Police used CCTV to track the man to his car and then his vehicle registration to locate and arrest him.
He is facing 14 charges relating to theft and bail offences.
Senior Constable David Attard said the community safety team allowed police and traders to work closely together in cases like these to tackle crime hot spots.
