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Northe Welcomes Rollout Of Eyewatch To Latrobe City Residents of Latrobe region will be able to participate in Eyewatch, the social media initiative that allows community members to engage with Victoria Police campaigns and investigations using Facebook. By Russell Northe - 30th April 2013 - Back to News Member for Morwell Russell Northe today announced that Latrobe is one of 11 additional communities across the state that will be able to connect with local police in the Eyewatch pilot.
Mr Northe said Eyewatch gives community members the flexibility and convenience of engaging with police and their Neighbourhood Watch groups in real time on social media.
"Those who ‘like’ their local Eyewatch Facebook page can receive information on breaking police news, participate in crime prevention activities, and share information about local police investigations with their friends and family," Mr Northe said.
Around 8000 Victorians have already thrown their support behind the Eyewatch pilot since it launched in February last year, connecting with their local police in Brimbank, Yarra Ranges, Geelong, Hobsons Bay and Darebin, as well as Transit police.
The other 10 police service areas excluding Latrobe to also receive Eyewatch pages are:
Bendigo, Boroondara, Casey, Frankston, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melbourne West, Mildura, Stonnington and Wyndham
Victoria Police has already used Eyewatch to seek information on missing persons, release images of wanted persons or stolen property, and appeal for witnesses to crimes to come forward.
The Geelong community recently responded to a request for assistance in identifying an offender in an alleged sexual assault, with around 30,000 people viewing the Eyewatch post over a one-week period.
"By utilising social media, Victoria Police are remaining innovative and several crimes have been solved by people who have browsed photos or read police alerts," Mr Northe said.
Funding for the expansion of Eyewatch has been provided through the internal police budget and a $5,000 contribution from Neighbourhood Watch Victoria.
The Victorian Coalition Government has committed $550,000 to revitalise and strengthen Neighbourhood Watch to strengthen the volunteer organisation’s role in preventing crime.
To connect to the Latrobe Eyewatch facebook page visit:
https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa
A public transport facebook page has also been established at:
http://www.facebook.com/eyewatchpublictransportpolice
Whilst people can engage with their local police through Eyewatch, it is not a replacement for calling 000 (Triple Zero) in an emergency.
Media contact: Russell Northe 5133 9088
best regards
Tayla Leek Electorate Officer to Russell Northe MLA Member for Morwell Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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