- Published:
- Thursday, 11 July 2019 at 5:21 am
Victoria Police has officially launched a new 24-hour police assistance phone line and online reporting service for the community to connect with about non-urgent crimes and events.
From 1 July 2019, all Victorians are encouraged to contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or visit the Victoria Police Online Reporting service to report non-urgent crimes and events.
The Police Assistance Line and Online Reporting service will take reports or give advice at any time on non-urgent crimes and events anywhere in the state, including:
- property damage
- lost or located property
- theft
- absence from residence registrations
- PartySafe registrations
- other general non-urgent police enquiries
The Online Reporting service is available through the new look Victoria Police website, which improves the way police information and services are found and understood online.
The Police Assistance Line calls are taken by civilian staff at a contact centre in Ballarat, under the supervision of police officers.
Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said these additional channels would enhance the community’s connection and access to Victoria Police.
“The Police Assistance Line is a dedicated, public phone number for the community to report or get advice on non-urgent crimes and events any time of the day,” A/CCP Patton said.
“These new avenues of contact to Victoria Police will be available 24/7, making it easier for the community to engage with police for non-emergency help, advice and support.
“These new channels will also reduce the amount of time police spend taking reports on non-urgent crimes, and will improve the way we prioritise and respond to these matters.
“If you have a question for us, or wish to report a crime or event that doesn’t require our immediate attendance, such as an item of lost property or property damage, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or visit police.vic.gov.au.
“The Triple Zero (000) number for police, fire and ambulance remains, and should be used if immediate attendance from these agencies is critical such as a threat to life or a crime occurring.
“We’re thrilled to provide the community with more avenues to access our services that are both simple and convenient methods as we continue to modernise Victoria Police.”
To support the promotion of the new channels, Victoria Police is also launching a 12-month advertising campaign titled when you need us, but not the sirens.
You can learn more via the Police Assistance Line (131 444) and online reporting.
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