Werribee Plaza: Police back pleas for patrols

SHOPPERS want improved security measures around a Hoppers Crossing shopping centre to curb an increase in violence and vandalism.

Truganina resident Joh Bauch said shoppers felt threatened by antisocial behaviour around the bus ranks at Werribee Plaza.

“I parked my car there on a Saturday near the bus stops, and two boys were tagging every bus that went by with a Texta, and hurling meat all over the place in broad daylight.

“People are afraid to get involved when they see someone tagging or getting abused, because they put their lives at risk.”

Mr Bauch said bus ranks and car parks at the shopping centre were a crime “hot spot” that needed more surveillance cameras and increased police patrols.

Improved security calls follow an incident last month in which a bus driver suffered serious injuries when bashed by five teenagers he had caught tagging his bus at Werribee Plaza.

Wyndham North’s Acting Senior Sergeant Jonathan Parish said police were “fully aware” of the area’s problems and had implemented measures to curb crime.

“We have an agreement with security at Werribee Plaza that if someone’s found misbehaving, they receive a notice to completely ban them from the area.

“It’s aimed to curb the incidence of violence, damage and trouble-making; we understand the community needs to feel safe.”

Senior Sergeant Parish said increased plaza patrols were planned.

Werribee Plaza centre manager Mark McEnallay said closed-circuit TV and a dedicated security guard for late-night trading had led to recent charges against offenders.

“It’s something we monitor on a day-to-day, weekly and monthly basis.”