Monash Council has won a prestigious Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award for its ground-breaking Milk Bar Network Exchange program.
The program aims to prevent crime and to support vulnerable milk bar operators.
Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris accepted the state award – given by the Australian Institute of Criminology as part of the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards – at the National Awards ceremony at Parliament House Canberra.
The Monash Milk Bar Network Exchange was developed after Monash Council met with 44 local milk bar operators to discuss issues they were experiencing as predominately solo business operators.
Councillor Klisaris said milk bar operators were often the subject of repeat crimes including theft and armed robbery and were fearful as a result of their experiences.
“Milk bars are considered a soft target by criminals as they are often the only business in a particular area, stay open until late, and have minimal staffing,
“Many milk bar operators are Chinese migrants with limited English
language skills.
“Our consultation with them identified that they were often reluctant to report crime to Victoria Police based on fear of retaliation by criminals and some cultural perceptions of police.”
As part of the six-month project, 32 of the 44 milk bar operators in Monash took part in three meetings where they received tips on crime prevention for small businesses and other safety information from Victoria Police, Council and community services.
“The program has resulted in milk bar operators building a stronger relationship with Victoria Police.
“They now have the confidence to report crime and have introduced security measures in their businesses to prevent being targeted.
“The program has also created interest among other councils who are keen to introduce it in their municipalities.
“We are very proud of this program and the difference it has made to the lives of our hardworking milk bar operators.”
