Hume council is urging the state government to bolster police presence and improve safety measures in schools and public spaces, following recent incidents.
Councillor Jim Overend asked his colleagues to support a proposal to write to Police Minister Anthony Carbines to determine what on-the-ground police resources are available in Hume to help prevent violent incidents from occurring; Education Minister Ben Carroll to find out how security is being improved at schools; and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny to seek an understanding of how the government’s new bail laws are being implemented.
Cr Overend’s proposal followed three recent violent incidents: a fight outside Greenvale Secondary College on 8 October, a fight which began outside Broadmeadows Central Shopping Centre on 11 October and a stabbing at Craigieburn Plaza on 14 October.
“Residents are telling me how scared and unsafe they are feeling in our community and asking council what we can do to stop crime from happening,” Cr Overend said.
Crime Statistics Agency data reveals the number of criminal offences recorded in Hume rose 15.3 per cent in the 12 months to June 30, with 23,194 offences recorded compared to 20,116 in the year to June 2024.
A government spokesperson said 182 new police officers had been funded for Hume.
““We will always give Victoria Police what they need to keep the community safe,” the spokesperson said.
An education department spokesperson said the safety and wellbeing of students and staff was a top priority.
“Victorian schools have zero tolerance for violence and take strong action against those who compromise the safety of our schools,” the spokesperson said.
“Government schools have 24-7 alarm monitoring and CCTV coverage in place, and clear processes to respond to any incidents of violence and aggression, including reporting incidents to police where appropriate.”
Star Weekly understands Hume council is also calling for increased support for Victoria Police’s community engagement teams, expanded funding for the Youth Crime Prevention Program (YCPP), investment in culturally responsive sports and recreation programs, support for early intervention diversion programs, and enhanced school based programs.
A council spokesperson told Star Weekly early intervention is critical in tackling the growing concern for antisocial behaviour in the community.
“We believe early intervention is critical in ensuring that people can make the right choices and veer away from crime and anti-social behaviour,” the spokesperson said.
“Hume City Council acknowledges the growing concern around antisocial behaviour in our community, which reflects broader trends across Melbourne. In particular, the increasing influence of organised criminal networks on disengaged young people is alarming.”
