By CASEY NEILL
DANDENONG Plaza has cut crime and is providing “a safe and secure family environment”, centre manager Mark Tannahill says.
His comments were in response to community fears about safety raised after a man armed with a syringe stole a woman’s car from the shopping centre’s McCrae Street car park about 1.30pm on 29 March.
The victim was sitting in her driver’s seat when a man approached, opened the door, threatened her with a syringe and demanded she get out of the car.
Police said she complied, and the man got into the car and drove away.
The victim had noticed the same man loitering in the car park before the incident.
Mr Tannahill said the management strove for the plaza and the surrounding community “to be a welcoming and safe environment at all times”.
“This is why we are undertaking a number initiatives to promote community harmony, including last month hosting community leaders, council and police to discuss ways to cross social and cultural barriers and to engage those in need,” he said.
He said the centre successfully introduced a community liaison officer last September.
“The officer has been a security guard at Dandenong Plaza for over 15 years now and works with youth in our community,” Mr Tannahill said.
“There have been fewer security incidents since his appointment, as the officer has begun creating important relationships with local youth based on mutual respect and trust.
“What this is achieving is a safe and secure family environment at Dandenong Plaza.”
Last December the Journal reported that police were helping Dandenong Plaza traders, security staff and cleaners to cut crime following a spike in issues in August.
Sergeant Duncan Bartley said crime had dropped since the community liaison officer had been in place.
“In November they had no assaults at all,” he said.
Sgt Bartley said the guard spoke with young people gathering at the plaza and listened to their issues.
“He’s getting that information, what they want, what the issues are,” he said.
“He’s feeding that back through security and to us.
“The kids are becoming more respectful of what their roles and responsibilities are.”
The fluorescent vest-clad guard also moves on trouble makers.
Sgt Bartley said running forums including cleaners in safety discussions were other new initiatives.
“They’ve got something to offer, if there is an incident. If they can intervene, take notes, report what’s happening,” he said.
He said the police academy’s OPTIC program, which puts dozens of officers in training into shopping centres, would soon return to the plaza.
The stolen car is a red 2006 Ford sedan with registration number UQI 236.
Police would like to speak to a Good Samaritan who tried to intervene during the robbery, but left the scene before police arrived. Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
