Published on Thursday, 11 March 2021 at 4:28:24 PM
Picture Caption: L-R include: Bunnings Geraldton Laurel Blyth, Elite Electrical Business Development Manager Shane Richards, Mission Australia Geraldton Dr Paul Royce, Mid West-Gascoyne District Engagement & Support Unit - Senior Constable Renai Gildersleeve, Bunnings Geraldton Complex Manager Lloyd Stanford, program participant Daisy Nash, Geraldton Police Station Sergeant Jules Leighton, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn, Geraldton Police Complex Acting Inspector Chris Martin and Geraldton Police Station Constable Marshall Bloom.
A collective effort from local stakeholders and service providers will increase safety in the homes of vulnerable victims in Geraldton.
Launched last week, the Vulnerable Victims program implements safety measures such as sensor security flood lights, glass break motion alarms and LED security floodlights for community members who may be experiencing crime, but may not have the means or resources to install preventions.
The City of Greater Geraldton, Office of Crime Prevention through WA Police, Mission Australia, Elite Electrical and Bunnings have come together to deliver the program which will provide, install and maintain crime prevention tools for those in need.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was great to see local stakeholders come together to deliver a program which would have such a positive flow on effect to the community.
“It’s great to see the commitment from the Police and local businesses to really make a change in our community,” he said.
“Everyone plays a role in crime prevention. It’s easy to point the finger, but if we can all do our part where we can, it will make for a safer and happier community.
“I applaud the Geraldton Police team, as well as Mission Australia, Bunnings and Elite Electrical for embracing this initiative and seeing it come to fruition.”
Mission Australia are advocates for access to safe and secure housing as part of independence and connection within a community. They will offer ongoing support to those identified as part of the Vulnerable Victims program.
Geraldton Police Station Acting Inspector Chris Martin said the program would make a massive difference in the Geraldton and wider Midwest community.
“The main criteria for a vulnerable person is age, disability, specific situations such as a financial situation or someone who is experiencing repeat acts of crime such as of burglary, trespassing or stealing,” he said.
“If we have a reported instance of these activities over a 24-hour period, we make assessments on a daily basis and identify people who are deemed vulnerable and may benefit from the program.
“The program itself provides a number of security measures which are provided, fitted and maintained free of charge – so we ensure there is an ongoing commitment to crime prevention.
“We also provide contact for various support services such as Mission Australia to ensure ongoing support.
“I think this program is going to be highly successful in reducing the crime and it’s great to see a joint collective effort by fantastic stakeholders,” he added.
Acting Inspector Martin also added the importance of reporting crime when it happens.
For assistance with a crime, please contact 13 14 44.
Back to All News