Gerald Lynch
Reception hours at Epping police station are set to be reduced from 24 hours to just eight a day under changes being made by Victoria Police.
Hours are set to change at 43 Victorian stations temporarily as a result of staff shortages across the state.
Officers previously assigned to reception shifts will now be on frontline duties. Reduction in hours are also set to occur at nearby Greensborough and Reservoir stations.
Epping resident Janelle Hellyer shared the unhappy opinions of many in the community regarding this change.
“A manned police station sets a scene of safety for our most vulnerable population. Examples that come to mind are victims of domestic violence, assault, or theft,” she said.
“The times proposed are simply not realistic to the emergencies that Epping faces. Our community deserves a safe sanctuary 24-7.”
North West Metro Acting Superintendent Lynette Flynn reassured residents that they will still be able to receive necessary support.
“Please be assured – the upcoming temporary closure of Epping, Greensborough and Reservoir reception counters does not mean the actual police stations will be closing,” she said.
“We will still have police working from the stations and patrolling the local areas.
“When a police station reception counter is closed, police continue to respond to urgent incidents and prevent crime in the community.
“The closures will also mostly be occurring in the evening or overnight when we know reception counters are rarely attended.
“Anyone who needs to attend a police station during these hours can attend Heidelberg, Mill Park, Preston, Broadmeadows or Mernda police stations which will remain open 24 hours.
“The community is always directed to call triple-0 for emergencies or the police assistance line for non-urgent reports.”
Whittlesea inspector Chris Allen spoke to an overall reduction in crime since before COVID, following the latest crime statistics release, giving residents less reason to worry about reduced reception.
“Overall crime in Whittlesea has dropped by almost 20 per cent since pre-pandemic, and residential break-ins have also dropped by 36 per cent since pre-pandemic,” he said.
