THE power of coffee has brought police and community members together at Birkdale Fair Shopping Centre.
Crime Stoppers and Volunteers in Policing held a souvenir and brochure stall with information on groups, activities and police contact numbers at Birkdale’s Bean Street Cafe on Friday morning while Capalaba Police Beat and other station officers met with locals.
Bayside Patrol Group Inspector Tony Ridge said the community always responded well to Coffee with a Cop events.
“It’s a great opportunity for people who don’t normally contact police to meet us in a positive and relaxing environment to talk to us about any concerns they may have,” he said.
“A number of people have spoke to me about traffic, home security and safety concerns in the community.
Inspector Ridge said the conversations were positive on both sides.
“Sadly, many members of the public only speak with police when they are pulled over or if there is something wrong so this has been great to break down those barriers and build a connection with the community,” he said.
Thorneside resident Brian Johnston said he it was great to see police in a relaxing environment.
“We are the grassroots of the public and it’s great to see police talking to us” he said.
“This service has been a great success and it’s been terrific to meet our local officers.”
Jocelyn Garcia
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
