General News
22 April, 2025
Crimestoppers join Coffee with a Cop
Crimestoppers community engagement officer Aiden Bloomfield joined Horsham Senior Constable Marc Davey in Horsham on Easter Thursday, April 17, for Coffee with a Cop.
This visit was Crimestoppers' first Coffee with a Cop in Horsham, but Officer Bloomfield said he hoped to join Horsham police regularly to engage with the community.
"We've had a few people through already," Snr Const Davey said.
"It's a chance to meet with the community and chat in a relaxed atmosphere.
"Some people might feel their issue isn't one they can bring to the police station but are comfortable chatting to us in the Plaza, so we set up Coffee with a Cop which provides that opportunity."
Leading into the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, they focused on driver safety and securing properties before leaving on holiday.
After a spike in car thefts and theft of possessions from cars, the police shared leaflets on safety measures people could adopt to lessen opportunistic thefts and keep homes and possessions safe.
"I'm pleased to have this opportunity to come to Horsham today and work with the officers here," Officer Bloomfield said.
"It's the first time Crimestoppers has taken part in one of these sessions in Horsham, and I hope we can visit regularly."
He agreed with Snr Const Davey that the Coffee with a Cop was a good way to engage with the community of all ages, especially making children feel comfortable approaching an officer in uniform and getting a wristband, badge and stickers.
"It helps them feel comfortable with the police if they need help in the future, and that's important for the overall well-being of the community, which is always our aim," Officer Bloomfield said.
Community engagement sessions can help people to feel confident to make reports to Crimestoppers, either in person or as confidential reports that help police in their investigations.
Police say as many as 80 per cent of aggravated burglaries are due to doors or windows being left unlocked or, conversely, the offender realising that the home is locked.
For police assistance, the number to call in a non-emergency is 131 444.
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000).
