A new team of fluro-clad volunteers has hit the beat at Pacific Werribee Plaza, getting to know young people in the area and helping keep them safe.
Wyndham Police launched its new youth community engagement program with Victorian Maori wardens last week.
Victorian Maori Wardens (VMW) is a team of Maori and Pacific Islander community elders, who walk the streets in uniform, patrolling the shopping plaza and surrounding transport hubs on varying days of the week.
Senior Sergeant Peter Bitton said he welcomed the exciting program to the area.
“Like many areas across the state, youth offending is an issue for us,” he said.
The Wyndham Police Service Area recorded 462 offences committed by people 17 or younger in the 12 months till March this year. Nearly 57 per cent of these offences related to property damage and deception charges, including theft, while a quarter were crimes against another person.
“When we saw the positive impact the VMW program was having in Frankston, we thought it would complement the work that local police, including our proactive officers, are already doing here,” Sergeant Bitton said.
“Through conversations with the wardens, we’ll be able to build greater rapport with young people in a new and different way.
“We’re keen to see how our community welcomes the program,” he said.
Victoria Maori Wardens chairman James Hohepa Smith said he was looking forward to the program’s expansion into Werribee.
“We seek to engage with young people in the community,” Mr Smith said.
“We want to let them know there are people out there who they can communicate with and turn to in times of need.
“If we have immediate concerns or if other issues arise while on patrol we are linked in with appropriate agencies to assist us and deal with the problem.
“We have really loved the chance to make a positive impact in Frankston, and we’re really excited to begin this next chapter with the young people of Werribee,” Mr Smith said.
