Police Station back open!

By Snr Sgt Alex O'Toole - Southbank Police Station Finally, after months of being closed, I am very pleased to announce that Southbank Police Station is open to the public again. With no restrictions on leaving your home under the Chief Health Officer’s directions, we are now able to have face-to-face contacts within Southbank Police Station. When entering the station, you must continue to adhere to the directions by wearing a mask and social distancing. The reception counter was previously closed as part of changes to our service delivery model to stop unnecessary face-to-face contacts and risk of transmission in line with the Chief Health Officer directions at the time. I encourage locals to continue contacting the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or using online reporting for non-urgent matters. In an emergency, contact Triple Zero (000). Short-term rentals Southbank has a high proportion of apartments in multi-story buildings. These buildings tend to have a mix of residents and short-term rentals such as Airbnb. Victoria Police has been responding to reported COVID breaches of parties being held in short term rentals during the pandemic. If you are concerned that a short-term rental in your building is being used to host a party with numbers of people present breaching the Chief Health Officer’s guidelines, then call 000 to report it. Police will attend and issue penalty notices if offences are being committed. Theft from motor vehicles Theft from motor vehicles continues to be an ongoing issue in the Southbank area. A timely reminder from Victoria Police to remember to avoid being a victim of crime – remove valuables from your vehicles. Thefts often occur due to valuables being left in plain sight or vehicles being left unlocked. Remember to lock your vehicle even when your car is parked in a secure carpark. It is important not to present an easy opportunity to thieves. An issue specific to Southbank residents is preventing tailgating through residential carpark entries. This is often the way thieves enter carparks to steal from vehicles or storage cages. Take the time to allow the roller door to close after your car has either entered or left the carpark. This ensures that your carparks remain secure. Ensure any lost fobs are cancelled straight away. These small steps all make a difference to your safety and that of your fellow residents. Personal safety on footpaths/walkways With COVID restrictions easing more people are returning to Melbourne’s CBD for work and pleasure. The footpaths will become increasingly congested and are shared between pedestrians, cyclists and other wheeled recreational devices. Being distracted can increase your chances of being a victim of crime or being involved in an accident. It is very important to stay alert when walking and avoid using your mobile phone and wearing earbuds – especially at night. If you have enjoyed a few too many drinks perhaps consider getting a taxi or ride-share home instead of walking to ensure you arrive safely. Remember – head up, phone down. As always, if you have any questions you can reach Southbank Police using the following email address – [email protected] •