The City of Casey is inviting residents to share their feelings and perceptions of safety in the Casey community via the Perceptions of Safety survey.
Initially conducted in 2021, the Perceptions of Safety survey provides Council with an understanding of the community’s views of safety in the municipality.
The 2021 survey found that more than 62% of residents felt safe compared to 13% who felt unsafe, with 25% saying they felt neither safe or unsafe. Findings from survey have assisted Council in identifying the community’s biggest safety concerns. The top five perceived safety issues were hoons (58%), drug use (39%), poorly lit parks at night (39%), theft from motor vehicles (37%) and things being stolen from homes (36%).
As a result of the findings – which can be found at www.casey.vic.gov.au/community-safety – Council implemented several initiatives, including:
Providing a free graffiti removal service to keep Casey’s public spaces clean. Since the 2021 survey, this has resulted in the obliteration of approximately 95,000 square metres of graffiti. This is equivalent to the total area of about five MCGs.
The use of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to design, manage and maintain our open spaces and facilities. CPTED focuses on good lighting, clear lines of sight, suitable signage as well as clean and clear spaces free of rubbish and graffiti.
Conducting road safety strategies and other education programs in collaboration with Victoria Police, Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and the Department of Transport.
City of Casey Chair of Administrator Noelene Duff PSM said Council is now seeking to get an understanding of how perceptions and experiences have changed in the last two years.
“By providing feedback, residents will help Council understand the needs of their local area,” she said.
“We want to hear from everyone, including those who do not know anything or know a lot about this topic.
“We want you to tell us how safe you feel in your neighbourhood or when you are going out at night, what things you have done to improve safety in and around your home, and if there are any safety issues in your areas.
“The survey results will help Council to continue to design and prioritise programs to meet the needs of our community.”
