The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is proud to announce the launch of the Safer Together initiative in Cairns following a successful pilot in Rockhampton. The Safer Together activity will kick off in Cairns throughout July and August 2024.
Safer Together Cairns aims to reduce fear of crime and increase feelings of safety within the community. This initiative is part of QPS's ongoing commitment to ensuring Queensland is a safe place to live, work, and play.
The Safer Together initiative focuses on place-based crime prevention and community safety activities, directly responding to the unique needs and priorities of the Cairns community. Key components of the initiative include:
- Raising awareness and providing education on effective methods to reduce home brek-ins and vehicle theft;
- Enhancing residents' access to valuable crime prevention resources including multilingual flyers to cater to Cairns' culturally and linguistically diverse community; and
- Strengthening relationships between the QPS and local organisations to help increase feelings of safety and wellbeing.
As part of this initiative, the QPS has engaged with local residents to understand their concerns and priorities and continues to build partnerships with local organisations to enhance the reach and impact of their efforts. Progress will be monitored through community surveys to ensure the initiative remains responsive to the community's needs.
Residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities, including crime and safety workshops, engaging with high-visibility policing efforts, and accessing valuable crime prevention resources. One highlight of the initiative is a new community safety campaign that provides insights into the tactics used by opportunistic thieves and offers practical advice on how residents can protect their property.
The Safer Together Cairns initiative offers residents opportunities to:
- Connect with QPS and stay informed about local news and updates;
- Access tailored crime prevention support and resources;
- Participate in community safety activities;
- Review local crime data; and
- Report incidents through the appropriate channels.
All activities and resources under the Safer Together initiative are designed in collaboration with local organisations and residents to promote community safety, resilience, and stronger connections.
The Safer Together initiative will kick off in Cairns throughout July and August 2024. Residents will have opportunities to connect with their local District Crime Prevention Coordinators and Police Liaison Officers, who will be available to provide support and information.
Acting Chief Superintendent Shane Holmes said the launch of Safer Together is a timely and essential initiative to enhance community safety.
"Safer Together will provide residents with valuable resources and opportunities to engage with us directly, enhancing our collective efforts to prevent crime and build safer and more resilient communities," he said.
"We have identified personal and property safety as key community concern through surveys and workshops and have tailored resources to address them.
"While we provide guidance on crime prevention, it's important to emphasise that the responsibility for crime always lies with the perpetrator, not the victim.
"Our goal with Safer Together is to empower residents with knowledge and resources to enhance their safety, without ever placing blame on those who have been affected by crime."
