Vandalism clampdown

By Tania Martin
POLICE and the people of Cockatoo are ramping up a campaign which aims to reduce vandalism in the town.
The Cockatoo Township Committee last week called a meeting with Emerald police, Cardinia Shire Council and Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato to address antisocial behaviour such as vandalism.
Committee member Dot Griffin said the meeting was a step forward in the town’s fight against continued acts of vandalism.
Ms Griffin said it has now been recognised that there needs to be more lighting in the Alma Treloar Reserve to deter young people from damaging buildings.
Cockatoo has experienced a number of acts of vandalism so far this year including an incident on Monday, 22 January when 32 windows were smashed at the Childcare Centre in McBride Street.
Cardinia Shire police District Inspector Chris Notman said the meeting was a great opportunity for police to listen to some of the community’s concerns about vandalism.
District Insp Notman warns that police will be undergoing a number of operations in coming months to target both antisocial behaviour and the consumption of alcohol in public places.
“We are looking at a number of initiatives to help curb antisocial behaviour and break down the barriers between the police, the community and young people.
“We hope that if we can break down the barriers we can give the young people a sense of responsibility on the subject of antisocial behaviour,” he said
Ms Griffin said young people caught on a first offence will get the opportunity to undertake the Victoria Police ropes program.
The program is a joint venture between Victoria Police, the Children’s Court of Victoria and municipal youth workers and aims to deter young people from reoffending.
The program aims to bring together young people and police informants to break down barriers and develop trust.
But Ms Griffin said young people who are caught on a second offence will be prosecuted.
Ms Griffin said another way the town hopes to curb vandalism is by looking into the prospect of introducing a BMX and skateboard park. She said Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato has pledged her support for the skate park project.
“We have already set up a committee for the skate park with six teenagers, three adults and a youth worker to help create the teenagers vision on what the park should look like,” Ms Griffin said.
Ms Griffin said last week’s meeting has highlighted the issues of vandalism and hopes that something can now be done about the problem.
She urges residents who see young people doing the wrong thing to contact police.
“Sometimes you’re helping kids by reporting them because it might be a wake-up call for them,” she said.