Brimbank City Council says its plan to tackle illegal trading is delivering strong early results, with a formal evaluation showing a 48.5% reduction in illegal trading after just 12 weeks.
Mayor, Virginia Tachos says the early results show that Council’s proactive plan is working.
“A 48.5% reduction in illegal trading in just 12 weeks is a strong outcome and win for our local businesses and the community,” she said.
“This is not just about enforcement; it’s about listening to our community, and supporting the licensed, local businesses that keep our local economy thriving.”
A core strategy of the action plan was for Council’s local laws officers to work in partnership with Victoria Police, with the local police unit in strong support of the plan, in principle.
However, the Council says current local police resourcing has not allowed for the increase expected and required to work with Council officers to eliminate theft from local businesses, and the trade of stolen goods.
Council is amping up its advocacy for urgent action from the Victorian Government to adequately resource police across the City of Brimbank, especially in town centres like Sunshine and St Albans.
“A stronger police presence, in partnership Council’s local laws officers, will markedly improve public safety and effectively crack-down on crime and antisocial behaviours that threaten community safety and our vibrant community places,” said the Mayor.
She said the Council remains committed to the delivery of its Action Plan on Illegal Trading and strengthening its partnerships with the community, traders, Victorian Police and the government to keep Alfrieda Street safe, vibrant and thriving.
“We are now calling on the State Government to support our efforts with a stronger police presence in our town centres.”
“Council has taken decisive action, and we need the support of local police to crack down on the illegal trade of stolen goods, to keep Alfrieda Street safe, vibrant and thriving,” Mayor Tachos said.
