Senior Sergeant Wal Brierley and Shire of Kalamunda CEO Rhonda Hardy.
Camera IconSenior Sergeant Wal Brierley and Shire of Kalamunda CEO Rhonda Hardy. Credit: Supplied/Bruce Hunt

Partners in crime strategy

Julian Wright, Kalamunda ReporterMidland Kalamunda Reporter

The shire adopted the 2013-2018 plan, which replaces the previous 2007-2010 plan created with neighbouring local governments, at its council meeting on August 27.

During a revision of the former regional plan, the shire decided that a local focus would be more effective.

The new plan focuses on five strategic areas:

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– Increasing awareness and understanding of how to prevent crime and maintain safety;

– Working on early intervention strategies with the Office of Crime Prevention, Police, Schools and community groups;

– The physical environment, including the planning and |design of spaces, places and buildings to influence safety levels;

– Emergency management and community safety in terms of bushfires in summer and storm damage in winter; and

– Working with the community to identify issues and concerns.

Shire chief executive Rhonda Hardy said the new plan aimed to involve the entire community.

‘Sixty per cent of residents surveyed recently felt safe in their local area after dark, 27 per cent did not feel safe, 5 per cent said they did not know and 8 per cent neither agreed nor disagreed,’ she said.

Forrestfield police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Wal Brierley said he looked forward to strengthening the collaboration with the Shire.

‘It is early days but I have been presented with the plan and there is nothing that I am not happy with,’ he said.

‘I am particularly keen to work with at-risk youths and developing programs to divert them away from crime and get them more involved in their community.’

As part of the plan, Kalamunda Shire has signed up for e-watch, a system that connects residents to their local police and council.

WA Police figures showed that the total number of reported crimes in the area peaked in 2011 with 1167, but declined slightly in 2012 with 950.

For more information about the plan or to express an interest in joining the advisory committee, call the Shire on 9257 9933.