The residential burglary is a concern for Mildura Police with the number of incidents increasing. The impact on victims varies and will always raise fears in relation to personal safety and security. Something that is foremost in the minds of burglary victims is whether or not the perpetrators will return. Mildura Police have recognized that within our community there are vulnerable residents who do not have access to traditional services to enhance personal safety and property security. It is this target group that CLaSP is seeking to assist.

Members of the Victoria Police, Country Fire Authority and Rural Ambulance Victoria are in the unique position to offer professional advice about security, fire prevention and medical assistance. They offer formal intervention by the way of home audits free to those identified in need of assistance. For example, a family may be living in another part of the state and have an elderly relative living alone. If we are made aware we can arrange home visits and security/safety audits. C.L.a.S.P. coordinators can then take steps to assist. Inspector Loison said, “This initiative will take police away from being seen primarily as law enforcers and place us at the front end of building community resilience”.

This project (C.L.a.S.P.) will identify safety and security issues in private dwellings, ease fears around personal safety and generate a community spirit that is reflective of Mildura.

C.L.a.S.P. is seeking community minded organisations and/or companies who are interested in becoming a partner to this exciting initiative. The benefits will be mutual; partners will gain a higher profile within the community and contribute to a worthwhile initiative; recipients of C.L.a.S.P. assistance will gain enhanced security and a greater sense of safety while knowing they are a part of a caring community.

Participation in the program may be in the form of contributions of products (door locks, sensor lights etc), labour, cash or equipment. If you are interested in becoming a community partner please contact the C.L.a.S.P. coordinator for further information or offers of assistance.

Leading Senior Constable Gary Leeson is the Community Liaison Officer for Mildura Police and the C.L.a.S.P. coordinator. He can be contacted on (03) 50185497 or by e-mail at gary.leeson@police.vic.gov.au