Safer summer: new patrols provide further support to the community

Published on 13 December 2022

Like other councils, Frankston City Council invests in additional foreshore services to support community safety over the busy summer period. The Rapid Response Team aims to prevent anti-social, harmful, destructive and illegal behaviour by being present in public spaces across the municipality and undertaking joint patrols alongside Victoria Police.

Frankston City Council Mayor Nathan Conroy said: “Frankston City Council is dedicated to ensuring our city and suburbs are safe and welcoming places to live, work, play and visit.”

“While crime rates have continued to drop in our municipality, summer brings with it a new set of challenges. People love visiting our beautiful foreshore, especially during summer. And daylight savings means more people are out and about as it stays lighter longer. We’re investing additional resources to ensure public safety during the busiest time of year,” said Mayor Conroy.

The patrols are set to reduce crime rates and empower the local community.

“The project also provides a unique opportunity to identify and assist rough sleepers in Frankston City, connecting them with the services they need to break the cycle of homelessness.”

The new program comes off the back of last year’s announcement of a significant upgrade to Council’s CCTV network, with cameras strategically situated across the Frankston municipality, providing a live feed to Frankston Police Station.

The Mayor also said the community has an important role to play in keeping residents and visitors safe.

“With the warmer weather approaching, it’s the perfect time to remind our residents of some of our safety rules over summer,” said the Mayor.

Reducing the risk of fire

Council’s Safer Communities team has begun proactively inspecting for potential fire hazards on vacant land and properties, such as long grass or overgrown weeds.

“We encourage you to look at our emergency preparedness booklet on Council’s website. It provides information on preparing your house for fires, power outages, storms and floods,” said the Mayor.

Beach restrictions for dogs

From December until April, dogs will not be allowed on any beach or pier in Frankston between 9:30am and 7:30pm. The summer restrictions do not include the new Keast Park Beach Free Roam Area, located on the Seaford Foreshore.

“As always, when taking your dog to a free roam area, you must carry a leash and a bag to pick up after your dog, and keep your dog under control,” said the Mayor.

Foreshore parking permits

“Finally, I’d like to remind all residents to take advantage of the Foreshore Parking Permits, which allow you to park free of charge at Frankston City Council’s foreshore car parks,” said the Mayor.

All residential ratepayers are eligible to receive two free foreshore parking permits for their household. Even with your permit, residents must still follow the parking time limits shown on the car park signs. You can learn more about Foreshore Parking Permits on Council’s website.

Residents or visitors aware of ongoing or emerging safety issues can let the Safer Communities team know at info@Frankston.vic.gov.au or by calling 1300 322 322.