Victoria Police today launched Eyewatch Melton – a Facebook Page to connect residents in Melbourne’s western suburbs directly with local police to help fight crime and build community confidence.
An Indian-Australian family was recently attacked by four buglers in their home in Caroline Springs in Melbourne’s west.
The alleged bandits who are described as teenagers of African appearance, stole two cars and a mobile phone from the home of Richa Walia, a restaurant owner.
The new Facebook Page will cover Melton, Caroline Springs, Diggers Rest and the surrounding suburbs where residents can discuss crime and community safety issues, while helping police track down offenders.
“We’ve heard loud and clear the concerns of residents in Melbourne’s west; that’s why a digital platform like Eyewatch Melton is so important,” Minister for Police Lisa Neville said.
Victoria Police now has 20 Eyewatch pages active across the state, including in nearby Brimbank and Wyndham.
In May, Operation Cosmas began working to prevent, deter and investigate aggravated burglaries and carjackings, following which the taskforce made more than 100 arrests.
However, the community members of Melbourne’s West have urged the state government to increase the number of police officers in their area.
In response, the state government has announced $596 million Public Safety Package that will allow Victoria Police to have an extra 406 sworn police officers, mobile technology and other equipment.
Of the new officers funded, 300 frontline police will be deployed across Victoria, including in Melbourne’s western suburbs, to respond to local crime issues and the increased demand for police.
