Two cop shops in the region will be closed two days a week in an effort to put more officers out on patrol.
The change in hours was confirmed in a Facebook post shared to the Eyewatch Goldfields page on Monday afternoon, August 3rd.
Maryborough’s police station is now open to the public between 9.30am and 4.30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with its reception unstaffed on Tuesdays and Sundays.
Meanwhile, the nearby Castlemaine station opens between the same hours on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and is closed Thursdays and Saturdays.
Victoria Police says the move allows its officers “to provide an increased patrol response to the community.”
The reception areas of both stations “may occasionally close during rostered opening times” should there be a need for additional patrols in the area.
“Our focus is protecting the community by having more units on patrol in the right place at the right time doing the right thing so Police can respond to emergencies and keep everyone safe!” the Facebook post reads.
“These changes allow us to redirect more Police resources to frontline duties – responding to incidents, conducting proactive patrols, targeting offenders, and engaging with our community.”
Anyone needing direct or immediate assistance is being advised to contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, use the online reporting tool via the VicPol website or, strictly in an emergency, call 000.
The change in opening hours comes at the request of Victoria’s Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, who on multiple occasions has publicly called for a greater police presence in the community and having more officers “on the beat”.
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