Joondalup Council adoped a draft community safety and crime prevention plan

This approach is one of the first of its kind for local government in Australia.

‘It might be seen as an aspirational target but the question should be asked, ‘why do we as a community have to tolerate any criminal activity’,’ Mayor Troy Pickard said.

The plan focuses on engaging the community to help police and the City to identify criminal activity, capture evidence and prosecute perpetrators. It also includes developing safer places and spaces, providing City safety services and promoting community safety awareness.

Mr Pickard said the plan aimed to empower the community to take an active role in reducing local crime and anti-social behaviour.

‘If residents work actively with police and the City to report on criminal activity, a strong message will be sent to perpetrators that the chances of them being caught are higher within the City of Joondalup than any other location in the Perth metropolitan area,’ he said.