NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE BEAT TO BE BUILT AT BELLBOWRIE

Brisbane’s western suburbs are set to have their own community policing presence, with the purchase of a house which will be converted into a neighbourhood police beat at Bellbowrie.

Police Minister Judy Spence said $410,000 had been spent buying the property at 5 Westaway Crescent in Bellbowrie.

“This is part of the Beattie Government’s commitment in 2004 to build 25 new police beats over three years,” Ms Spence said.

“Recent growth in Brisbane’s western suburbs has led to the need for a permanent policing presence in the area.

“This property is in a good location, and will provide a police officer with a central position in the suburb to live in and work from.

“Once established, the beat will support local police by providing additional infrastructure and operational resources – as well an extra police officer.”

Ms Spence said the property will be redeveloped as an operational police beat within the 2006/07 financial year.

Ms Spence said the police beat will strengthen policing services in the area and help address local issues such as traffic, road safety and general crime prevention.

“By becoming a part of the Bellbowrie community, the beat officer will be able to work closely with residents to provide targeted policing services,” Ms Spence said.

“This will certainly boost the efforts of police from the Brisbane West District, and in particular Indooroopilly Police Station, who will provide additional support to the beat to ensure all calls for service are met.”

Ms Spence said the Neighbourhood Police Beat Program had expanded rapidly in every police region since it was launched in 1993.

“There are now 49 police beats now operating across Queensland, we are helping police to work closely with residents to provide invaluable services to the community,” Ms Spence said.

Media contact: Alison Smith 3239 6218