THE communities of Merriwa and Cassilis are convening a public meeting tonight (Wednesday) to discuss policing issues in the towns.
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The meeting has been organised by the Merriwa District Progress Association.
Commander of Hunter Valley Local Area Command, Acting Superintendant Guy Guiana, said he has accepted an invitation to attend the event.
He’s told the Hunter Valley News he expects to be accompanied by a Scone-based sergeant and officers who live in Cassilis and Merriwa.
“I have agreed to come to hear whatever concerns the local community wish to raise and to address those concerns as best I can.
“Policing in rural locations is a community concern across the state and officers at Hunter Valley LAC will continue to provide the best service we can with our available numbers,” Acting Superintendant Guiana said.
A class of 131 probationary constables graduated from the Goulburn Academy last week.
Six recruits were allocated to LACs across Northern Region, but Hunter Valley Local Area Command – which has responsibility for Merriwa and Cassilis – missed out.
Merriwa District Progress Association president Kim Fenley said the community has genuine concerns.
“We are worried about rural crime, response times, police visibility and the lack of a permanent police presence in the towns of Merriwa and Cassilis,” Mr Fenley said.
“From where we sit it appears police are patrolling the highways, but aren't available when we need them to help us with crime-related issues in the town.”
Mr Fenley said on Saturday night vandals stripped all four wheels from a car parked in Elizabeth Street.
It belongs to an 81-year-old woman and the act of vandalism drew condemnation from dozens of locals after the image was posted on Facebook.
“You’ve got this sort of vandalism going on, kids doing burnouts, break-ins and pig shooters cutting fences and doing damage on farms and there is no one here to help us,” Mr Fenley said.
The Hunter Valley News asked if the Progress Association had considered police resources were stretched in rural commands as police deal with a significant rise in drug crime.
“Yes, we accept there are serious issues with drugs, but that should not detract from general police issues, such as being here to take statements.
“Officers taking an hour to drive from Scone or Muswellbrook after someone reports a crime, that just doesn’t make sense,” Mr Fenley added.
Tonight’s meeting gets underway at the Merriwa RSL Club at 6pm.