The ‘pop-up’ concept has been working remarkably in recent years.
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Pop-up eateries, retail shops and recreational activities have created much joy and excitement among the community.
It’s a novel concept, something appears from nowhere purely for your enjoyment.
But Wagga police are looking at another type of pop-up in the city to combat crime.
Crime has spiked in recent months and police are almost at their wit’s end as to what to do with it.
They are now proposing a pop-up police station for Glenfield Park – and we like it.
Glenfield Park is one of Wagga’s biggest and fastest-growing suburbs and home to many young families.
And yet, it seems to be making headlines as more victims of crime speak out.
Other problem suburbs include Tolland, Lake Albert, Turvey Park and Ashmont.
So it seems only natural to set up a base in the middle of it all to see if it deters criminals.
Police are looking at a shop at Southcity Shopping Centre as their base.
The premise is that they will be closer to the residential suburbs to the south of Wagga.
Closer physical proximity means faster response times, in theory.
Just the mere presence of the boys in blue around the corner is hopefully enough in deterring these criminals from committing a crime.
And even if the crimes continue, the faster police response time would be more effective in catching them after it happens.
It is heartbreaking when report after report is from elderly people, young families or low income families who have had money or property stolen.
They are preying on the weak and it needs to stop.
Residents shouldn’t hear a rustle in the street and lock their doors in fear of what’s outside.
There used to be a time when front doors could be left unlocked for friendly neighbours and we could sit outside and play in the street without fear of being rolled for our money.
Detective Inspector Darren Cloake said the idea makes “perfect sense” and the only setback so far is resources.
In an already stretched police force, manning another station could prove difficult.
Is there where neighbourhood watch or vigilant residents step in?