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City Has ‘Designs’ on Crime Prevention
A new program, which aims to improve safety and reduce crime, has been kick-started by the City of Melville at the former Leeming Recreation Centre site (now The Rec).
The initiative comes after a review of The Rec site made a number of recommendations for improving safety, security and facilities.
The program involves physical changes to the environment to deter criminal activity. It is based on the globally-respected principles of Designing Out Crime (DOC).
A number of modifications have already occurred at The Rec site car park, including under-pruning of vegetation, the upgrade of existing lighting, and the installation of signage.
Mayor Russell Aubrey said, compared with other areas, crime was not a significant problem in the City of Melville but safety improvements could always be made.
“The program uses the principles of natural surveillance – which means helping the general public to see more clearly,” he said. “This can have a number of beneficial effects. It contributes towards peoples’ perceived safety, and increases the risk to potential offenders, who feel more likely to be seen, challenged or caught.”
“The City prides itself on offering a safe, family-friendly lifestyle. By utilising DOC principles, throughout the City, we can further reduce the risk of being targets of crime.”
Officer in Charge at the Murdoch Police Station Senior Sergeant Craig Sweeney praised the City’s steps to prevent crime at the site.
“The implementation of DOC principles removes the opportunities that may be currently available to potential criminals,” he said.
“It’s an innovative program which creates a safer environment and helps the police by deterring crime at the identified site.”
The City of Melville will now modify The Rec site by thinning out and removing selected vegetation and replacing it with suitable native species that allow better natural surveillance. No endemic native vegetation will be removed.
The thinning and replacement of vegetation will take place along Findlay Road, adjacent to Peter Ellis Reserve. Works will be completed in two stages with the first stage scheduled to begin in April and the second in May 2010.
For more information about Designing Out Crime improvements at The Rec site please visit www.melvillecity.com.au/doc or phone 1300 635 845.