Liberals to boost community safety

State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP has announced that an elected Liberal Government will provide grants of up to $250,000 for local councils to develop public safety and security infrastructure like CCTV systems, improved lighting and creating local solutions to local crime.

“A Liberal Government will focus on more police on the beat, tougher sentencing and $24 million for more local community safety measures like CCTV cameras in at risk areas across Victoria,” Ms McLeish said.

Under the plan, councils will be able to identify areas within their community such as shopping areas that attract a higher rate of crime and implement measures to stop crime.

“Our plan will particularly benefit rural towns where there is not 24 hour police coverage. CCTV not only helps catch criminals, but it also deters crime from happening in the first place.”

“Many country shopping centres have become soft targets for burglars who know the lack of CCTV and police coverage gives them a great chance of getting away,” Ms McLeish said.

The latest announcement follows other community focused crime prevention measures announced by the Liberals including:

• Establishing highly visible Police shopfronts in 12 major shopping centres including Eastland.

• Re-establish a ‘Police in Schools’ program, to allow police to better engage with young Victorians.

• Fund the establishment of a Victoria Police Mobile CCTV camera rollout and;

• Commit $2 million over four years to Neighbourhood Watch for local crime prevention initiatives.

“Daniel Andrews cut crime prevention funding, the Liberals will make it a priority,” Ms McLeish concluded.