Cops pop in for coffee

AN outreach program from local police is broadening, meeting residents at cafes around town for a chat.

Coffee With a Cop has been run by Bacchus Marsh Police for a few years now, but on Wednesday the program had its first monthly pop-up session at Lola’s Cafe on Main Street.

Leading Senior Constable Jim Ross said the change was all about speaking to people across Bacchus Marsh, not just in one place.

“We were doing them down at The Village Shopping Centre, but we thought we’d spread the love and get around to a bunch of local cafes. Not everyone in town shops there,” he said.

“It’s a good community incentive, it gives people the opportunity to have a chat with police about the issues affecting them.

“It’s also a boost for us, having that relationship with community, who can assist us with crime and investigation.

“If people are comfortable coming to us with information that can help solve crimes, we can get out there and catch more crooks. We need the support and assistance of the community, there’s a lot of positive ripple effects that come from this program.”

Leading Senior Constable Karyn Discher said it’s a more informal environment.

“There are things people sometimes don’t feel comfortable coming to the police station about,” she said.

Every attendee at Coffee With a Cop events receives a complementary small coffee, thanks to Bacchus Marsh Blue Light and the Bacchus Marsh Community Bank Branch.

The next pop-up Coffee With a Cop will be on Wednesday 26 June at Skinny Dippers Cafe at Maddingley.

For more information visit the Eyewatch – Moorabool Police Service Area Facebook page.