Michaela Meade
Marked security vehicle patrols have been increased at Cloverton estate in Kalkallo amid rising safety concerns from residents.
Development company Stockland has increased the hours of security patrols, in an attempt to address concerns.
A Stockland spokesperson said patrols ran from sunset to sunrise as a standard but as from April 21 they had added daytime patrols.
Resident concerns follow a number of incidents in the area, including an alleged break-in at a Graves Court property, and an alleged altercation outside a Bells Avenue house that left a man in hospital in critical condition.
Latest crime statistics figures show the total number of recorded offences in the area almost doubled between 2019 and 2020.
There were 191 recorded incidents in Kalkallo in 2019, and 351 in 2020, including 103 property and deception offences in 2020.
A concerned resident conducted a community survey in the lead-up to a meeting held with local police and other key stakeholders late last month.
The survey received 298 responses, with the results posted on a community Facebook page.
It showed an increase in the number of residents who felt unsafe in their homes. In January 2021, 9 per cent of residents reported feeling unsafe, that figure had grown to
38 per cent in April 2021.
Home break-ins were cited as the biggest concern and eight out of 10 respondents said they were likely to further increase security at their homes within the next three months.
In an email sent to Cloverton estate residents, Stockland said it understood the importance of feeling safe in your own home.
“While the community is still growing and maturing, Stockland has increased security surveillance within the Cloverton community.
“There will now be marked security vehicles patrolling the entire community throughout the day and overnight, 7 days a week.
“We hope that this additional security helps to mitigate any issues, however if you notice any unusual behaviour within the community, or if you experience any issues, please contact the Craigieburn Police directly.
“We also encourage you to meet your neighbours so that you can provide passive surveillance and support for each other.”
Police recently visited neighbouring estate Olivine by Mervac as part of a community safety day.
