Talking facts and solutions for Community Safety

Sunday Forums #3 wrap

Crime is again in the headlines but what’s happening beneath the bold print? Sunday’s Forum on community safety heard that we need to dig deeper to understand what’s going on.

The impressive range of contributors included Anika Dell, a consultant criminologist with deep expertise in public policy and community engagement; Mel Dye and Jess Ritcher of local community legal service, Southside Justice; James Brearley, an architect and Fitzroy Street business owner; and Mikey Daly of The First Step program, a local addiction, mental health and legal services hub. With a warm introduction from The Stiletto Sisters!

Key points that emerged included:

• Crime in St Kilda has been static over several decades. Young people today are less likely to commit crime than young people in previous generations
• CCTV is limited as a crime prevention tool – being useful in some situations, such as car parks and vehicle offences – but not so effective in preventing other sorts of crime
• More than 40% of men in prison and more than 30% of women in prison have an acquired brain injury, often leading to cognitive disability and misbehaviour. This is an under-recognised part of the criminal justice system
• Plenty of eyes on the street, a well-cared for street and secure housing for homeless people are crucial elements in reducing anti-social behaviour
• Local communities know local problems and need resources and power to make change.