Official opening of new Belmont Police Station

19/6/97

The State Government's multi-million dollar commitment to improving police facilities in Western Australia is right on track with the official opening of the new Belmont Police Station.

Police Minister John Day said the $1.8 million facility was essential to assist working police officers deliver the level of service which the local community required and had a right to expect.

"It is an investment in the community's fight against crime," Mr Day said.

"It is essential to supply police officers with the facilities and equipment necessary to do their job effectively and efficiently."

Mr Day said the appalling inadequacies of the previous Belmont police facilities - more than 40 years old - were the direct result of years of neglect in planning and provision by the previous Labor Government and its failure to keep abreast of the high rate of population growth in the area.

The location of the new state-of-the art police facility on Abernethy Road, near the Belmont High School, would create a better liaison point between police and the local community in the fight against crime.

Mr Day said the onus was on everyone to play a part and get involved in community-based programs to combat crime.

"The key to crime-fighting is an active partnership between the community and police because the role each plays can make a major difference in preventing and solving crime," he said.

The Minister said there were a number of initiatives home owners could take to deter thieves, such as securing their property with alarms and fitting deadlocks on doors and windows. Motorists should consider installing a vehicle immobiliser through the State Government's successful rebate scheme.

"Ensuring household items are engraved also assists police in the recovery of stolen goods and in tracking down those responsible," he said.

"Taking these precautions allows police resources to be better spent on catching crooks, rather than dealing with the traumatic aftermath of a break-in."

Mr Day said the construction of the new Belmont Police Station was part of a $52 million program by the State Government over three years for new equipment and the upgrade of metropolitan and country police stations.

New police stations had been opened in Kwinana, Forrestfield, Leeman, Scarborough, Australind and Meekatharra.

During 1997-98, construction would begin on new stations at Bayswater, Nullagine and Rockingham and the upgrade of the Carnarvon station. Construction would continue on another eight stations at Gosnells, Morley, Murdoch, Kununurra, Dunsborough, Roebourne, Halls Creek and Hillarys and police complexes at Cannington, Mirrabooka and Geraldton.

Mr Day said the new Belmont station had a projected life span of 50 years and was designed to expand with future staff increases. The new station catered for both general duties staff and a criminal investigation branch.

"The striking architectural features complement the changing face of the Belmont area and its prominent location will provide easy access to the local community," he said.

Media contact: Mark Thompson on 9322 2311