General News
12 November, 2024
Police launch new community safety initiative
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) launched a new proactive initiative in Toowoomba on Monday, 4 November, aiming to reduce crime and fear of crime across the region.
Safer Together Toowoomba, which runs for the next few months until January 2025, aims to enhance community safety through targeted crime prevention and engagement activities.
Key components of the new initiative include:
Community engagement activities, including presentations hosted by QPS members.
Social media content to help residents understand how to better secure their home and vehicle.
Enhancing access to crime prevention resources, including multilingual flyers to support Toowoomba’s diverse community members.
A Community Safety Champions pilot program.
Chief Inspector Danny Shaw from the Toowoomba District said the initiative has been tailored to align with community priorities.
“Toowoomba residents have clearly identified their concerns to us around burglary, vehicle theft and youth crime, and Safer Together Toowoomba directly addresses these priorities,” Chief Inspector Shaw said.
“Our goal is to reduce crime in Toowoomba, and ensure the community feels safe and supported.
“Through enhanced community engagement and proactive crime prevention strategies, we’re confident Safer Together will strengthen the bond between police and the people we serve, making Toowoomba an even safer place to live.”
The Inspector of QPS’ Community Programs team, Alice Carnes, said the launch of the program in the Darling Downs marks a significant step in building greater community safety.
“Safer Together empowers communities with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to feel safe and reduce crime,” Inspector Carnes said.
“By working with local organisations and residents, we’re building a network of trust and collaboration that will have a lasting and positive impact across the Darling Downs.”
A key element of Safer Together’s success is the Community Safety Champions program, which brings together people from diverse cross-sections of the community.
Safer Together Toowoomba features 18 community champions from local organisations such as Multicultural Australia, Toowoomba Women’s Shed, Toowoomba Together Inc and Toowoomba Regional Council Youth Connect.
The Community Safety Champions will play a key role in becoming trusted sources for sharing crime prevention information, building relationships, and enhancing safety in community groups across the region.
Safer Together Toowoomba builds on the success of similar pilot programs in Cairns and Rockhampton, which reached more than 500,000 people on social media.
Notably, 52 per cent of residents who viewed QPS’s Safer Together videos reported taking action to improve their home or vehicle security, reinforcing the campaign’s impact on behaviour change. Community safety workshops have also positively influenced participants, who expressed higher perceptions of safety, greater trust in police, and an increased commitment to preventative measures.
More than 200 stakeholders and residents contributed to developing the Safer Together program through consultations and co-design efforts, ensuring it aligns with community needs and values.
The QPS remains committed to enhancing community safety across the Darling Downs and invites all residents to get involved in the Safer Together initiative.
For more information on upcoming workshops or resources, visit police.qld.gov.au/SaferTogetherToowoomba
