Wyndham council’s controversial private security patrol trial in Truganina will begin on 10 November .
The $372,000 trial was included in Wyndham’s 2025-26 budget, despite intense debate in the chamber.
The trial will operate nightly from 10pm to 6am for six months and will be delivered by MA Services Group – council’s existing licensed security services supplier.
Patrol officers will be licensed, trained and uniformed, and equipped with body-worn cameras, dashcams and GPS which are intended to support transparency and accountability, according to council.
Two marked MA Services Group vehicles will visit public locations across parts of the suburb, however, officers will not carry firearms.
Cr Preet Singh, who advocated for the trial as an election promise, said it provides a practical, prevention-led approach to supporting community safety after hours.
“We know safety is a top priority for our residents,” Cr Singh said.
“This trial will provide a highly visible presence across public areas, business precincts and community facilities in Truganina—deterring anti-social behaviour and ensuring timely recording and reporting of issues to the appropriate authorities.”
Cr Singh said that the patrols do not replace Victoria Police.
“The patrols are designed to work alongside Victoria Police, local businesses and community groups,” he said.
“Community safety is a shared responsibility, and this trial is about taking an active, practical step to support safer public spaces.”
According to council, patrols will focus on prevention and deterrence, including proactive checks of priority locations. Officers will record and report incidents or suspicious activity to Victoria Police as required.
Council said it is running the trial to test whether a visible, prevention-led presence helps deter after-hours issues and improves community confidence, and to gather evidence for future decisions.
Council will evaluate the trial using operational and incident data and input from Victoria Police and other partner agencies.
Additionally, a report will be provided to a future council meeting at the conclusion of the trial period.
Residents are reminded to call triple-0in an emergency and not council or MA Services Groups phone numbers.
If police are not required immediately, then residents are urged to contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/security-patrols-trial
