Wyndham will not lose a chunk of its police- force to a suburb of Geelong, the area’s top cop has declared.
Inspector Damien Christensen has denied reports that a large number of officers will be transferred from Wyndham when a 24-hour police station opens in Waurn Ponds.
“This issue was highlighted in 2013 as a potential risk and, as such, the risk has been managed by Victoria Police,” Inspector Christensen said.
“Two Wyndham members will transfer to Geelong when the Waurn Ponds police station opens and they will be immediately replaced.
“Members transfer on a regular basis through promotion or lifestyle needs. This is business as usual for our work area. No risk to local policing will occur.”
Wyndham council has come out in support of a potential campaign for more police in Wyndham as an alternative to installing CCTV cameras in the Werribee CBD.
Inspector Christensen said Wyndham was well serviced by its current members.
“In the month of August, we will have 20 additional police members per day over a two-week period, plus booze buses and highway patrol units, all working in this area,” he said.
“This is a common occurrence and assists with our local policing needs.
“Over the past two years crime in many categories has been reduced and we work hard to maintain that trend.”
Inspector Christensen reiterated his claim that the issue of installing CCTV cameras in the CBD should be put to bed.
“There is no demand for CCTV cameras to be installed in Watton Street, Werribee,” he said.
Wyndham council has come out in support of a potential campaign for more police in Wyndham as an alternative to installing CCTV cameras in the Werribee CBD.
“To put CCTV footage [in the CBD] would require some significant changes to the landscape as the deciduous trees would need to be pruned or removed to allow for coverage to be affective,” Inspector Christensen said.
“This issue should be closed.”
