Heathcote community groups have joined forces to help police spread the message about safety and security in rural and regional Victoria.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The groups pitched in to refurbish and donate a trailer that police will take across the western policing region to shows, field days and other events, to give community members information and provide an accessible point of contact with police.
Heathcote Community House, Heathcote Lions Club, Heathcote and District Community Bank, Advance Heathcote Inc, Golden City Sheet Metal, and Crime Stoppers were involved in the initiative by donating goods, money and labour.
Heathcote Lions Club president Daryl Wallace said the project fitted within the scope of the organisation's activities.
"If you make people's lives better by making them more secure, it's good for the whole community," Mr Wallace said.
He hoped that the trailer would help make people and their property more secure, thereby deterring criminals from committing offences.
The trailer was officially unveiled in Heathcote earlier this week.
Farm crime liaison officer Leading Senior Constable Dan O'Bree said the trailer was the first of its kind in Victoria.
Victoria Police said having the trailer would boost the force's ability to proactively engage with rural and regional communities, providing an opportunity to build relationships and gather information that would help prevent and solve crime.
The trailer will include information on farm crime liaison officers - such as contact details and how to report farm crime - firearm storage and safety, Crime Stoppers and Neighbourhood Watch, and community and road safety.
Leading Senior Constable O'Bree said, it could contain information on other services, such as councils and community health organisations.
"It's a good little thing for central Victoria, really," Leading Senior Constable O'Bree said.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
