An apparent rise in anti-social behaviour is prompting a push for extra Protective Service Officers, or PSOs to be hired in Bendigo.
The issue has been raised with Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad, who wants to see their concerns addressed by the state government.
“Locally, I have spoken with police, the local [Greater Bendigo] council and residents, and I consistently hear from residents who are concerned about the rise in crime in Bendigo and anti-social behaviour in Bendigo, especially at the railway station and the Bendigo [Hargreaves] mall,” Ms Broad said in a statement.
“Residents, including seniors, parents and young people, have told me that they feel unsafe, especially when large groups congregate in the area.”
While Victoria Police has previously launched crackdowns aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour and crime in the city, such as Operation Landslide, Ms Broad – who sits with the Opposition in state parliament’s upper-house – believes “additional year-round support is needed.”
PSOs were first introduced to Victorian train stations by the then-Baillieu government in 2011, following an election pledge , and have been on the beat in Bendigo since April 2014.
Like police officers, they have the power to arrest or detain people considered to be acting unlawfully.
Ms Broad has been advised that five PSOs are currently employed in Bendigo, with two rostered at the train station each day between 4.30pm and 12.30am.
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