By Mitchell Clarke
Non-urgent crimes and events should be directed to a new 24 hour assistance phone line and online reporting service.
From Monday 1 July, Victoria Police have officially launched the Police Assistance Line, a service which takes reports and provides advice at all times of the day.
Anyone reporting property damage, lost or located property, theft, neighbourhood disputes, noise complaints, absence from residence registrations, PartySafe registrations and all other general non-urgent police enquiries should direct their calls to the new number – 131 444.
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.”
The Police Assistance Line calls are taken by civilian staff at a contact centre in Ballarat.
Victoria Police began trialling the service in February and have had over 70,000 calls, allowing them to refine the processes to service the state.The Online Reporting service is available through the Victoria Police website.
The number of the line is 131 444. For more information about the Police Assistance Line, visit police.vic.gov.au/palolr.
