Cop coffee date proves successful

A pro-active initiative to increase police and community engagement was well received in Yarragon and may grow to become a regular event at other towns around Baw Baw Shire.

Coffee with a Cop was an idea developed by the Trafalgar resident and Yarragon business operator Michael Fozard after he attended a Victoria Police community safety forum late last year.

The success of the recent event may see Coffee with a Cop expanded into other areas.

Warragul Police senior sergeant Anne-Marie Stevens said it was a great opportunity for community members to talk to police officers in a relaxed environment rather than a structured forum or at the police station.

Police from Warragul, Trafalgar, Baw Baw Highway Patrol and the pro-active unit at Morwell were involved in the two hour session.

Ms Stevens said a number of community members of all ages attended the session.

She said the success of the event may see similar events held in other towns around the Baw Baw police services area.

“It was good to talk to community members in a relaxed environment.

“They weren’t actively reporting crime but some of the things they told us about we encouraged them to report.

“Some people said they hadn’t reported incidents because they didn’t want to annoy us. We have to prioritise jobs but we always get to everyone no matter how trivial they think it is,” she said.

Ms Stevens said traffic issues, community safety and concerns about police presence were the main subjects people discussed.