THE Message from Police representatives at the Medowie Community forum was loud and clear – they need to know what is happening here if we want to see change.

The forum was well attended by community members, Police representatives, councillor Geoff Dingle, and our local MP Kate Washington.

Kate Washington told News Of The Area, “It’s not often that a community gets to vent its frustrations with the Commander and his management team from our local police command.”

“It happened last week in Medowie and I’m very grateful that our police are willing to sit with our community and listen,” she said.

A number of community members spoke at the forum, and the resounding message was loud and clear.

“We want, and need a greater police presence.”

Port Stephens LAC Commander Chris Craner spoke to attendees and took our comments and requests on board.

His response was equally loud and clear.

“Too many times, local police have spoken to residents who have a recurring problem and state nothing gets done about it.”

Commander Craner said too often when they ask ‘How many times have you called the station’, the response is ‘well, I haven’t’.

Residents need to report – we need to report everything that happens in Medowie, and help to create a database of true statistics.

You have several options to make these reports, and unless your situation is an emergency, it doesn’t matter which way you report it.

You can call the local station on (02) 49837599, the Police Assistance Line (PAL) on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Write down all details of the report, the name and rank of the person who took call, and follow up if you desire.

Commander Craner also told attendees that an online reporting system for incidents not requiring police attendance (non emergency) is on the horizon.

“I hope that people will receive this message, and it will help them to really see what is happening, and where services are most needed,” said Commander Craner.

 

By Rachael VAUGHAN