General News
31 October, 2022
Victoria Police survey finds 70 percent of Goldfields residents feel safe in the community
The results of Victoria Police’s Community Sentiment Survey are in, revealing that while a majority of residents feel safe locally, there are several key community concerns. The annual survey, which received more than 9000 responses, took place...
The results of Victoria Police’s Community Sentiment Survey are in, revealing that while a majority of residents feel safe locally, there are several key community concerns.
The annual survey, which received more than 9000 responses, took place earlier this year and forms part of the Neighbourhood Policing Framework, which aids police in prioritising and focusing on concerns within the community.
In the Goldfields Police Service Area, which covers the Central Goldfields, Mount Alexander and Loddon shires, the survey revealed that more than 70 percent of residents felt safe in the area, well above the state average of 46 percent.
While a majority of residents reported feeling safe, survey respondents also highlighted three key community concerns, including drugs and alcohol, speeding and theft.
Goldfields PSA Inspector Donna Mitchell said she was very pleased with the community’s feelings of safety and had expected the concerns that were highlighted, but was surprised to see family violence not included.
“I thought family violence would have got a mention but sometimes it’s a ‘chicken and egg’ scenario, drugs and alcohol can contribute to family violence and vice versa,” she said.
“Theft is a worry and it may be that the financial pressures being experienced by people may drive an increase in theft.
“The themes identified by the community are very common across the state.”
According to the most recent data from the Crime Statistics Agency, most criminal offences in the Central Goldfields Shire relate to incidents in the home, with 339 family related incidents recorded for the year to June.
Criminal incident data also revealed streets, lanes and footpaths were common locations for offending, with an increased police presence to be felt at community and sporting events, increased visibility on roads and foot patrols in retail areas in response to community feedback.
Insp Mitchell said the hope was for local police to be seen as more approachable by the community, as often police are only spoken to during emergencies.
“We want to be in places where people feel comfortable to talk to us so we can be approachable,” she said.
“Often people only speak to police in times of crisis. But chatting to police members in a non-threatening and safe environment can provide a space for people to disclose information or concerns they may have.”
State-wide, the Community Sentiment Survey highlighted that safety in public places, drugs and alcohol, safety of property and possessions and road safety were the top four concerns of individuals.
The survey also revealed that a visible police presence, community engagement forums, attendance at events and a greater road presence were the most common suggestions for improving community safety.