In short:
Wyndham Council has approved a $372K security patrol in Truganina without police involvement, triggering political and community backlash amid soaring crime rates.
Crime hotspots overlooked in patrol plan
Victoria Police say they had no involvement in Wyndham City Council’s decision to launch a $372,000 private security patrol in Truganina — a move that has ignited widespread criticism, political backlash, and community anger.
The trial, which will be funded by ratepayers citywide but operate only in parts of Truganina and Tarneit, is going ahead despite police distancing themselves, public opposition, and a formal letter of concern from Werribee MP John Lister.
In a written statement, a Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed:
“Any questions around this trial should be directed to the council. Victoria Police did not have any involvement in this decision. Police are available 24/7 to respond to incidents and keep the community safe. We continue to encourage residents to call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.”
MP John Lister has now written to Local Government Minister Nick Staikos seeking advice for residents who wish to challenge Council spending on initiatives like the patrol. In his letter, Mr Lister noted:
“Residents of Wyndham Vale and Manor Lakes have expressed concerns that their feedback regarding the proposed security patrol trial were not adequately considered by Wyndham CC… Community members have highlighted the lack of formal consultation with Victoria Police prior to the trial’s inclusion and have raised concerns about Wyndham CC’s capacity to manage such an initiative — particularly given the potential risks it may pose to workers’ safety.”
Critics are also questioning why local crime data wasn’t used to inform the decision.
Recent statistics from the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria show that Wyndham recorded 18,622 criminal incidents over the past year — a 29.1% increase, the highest in over five years, and well above the state average.
The most affected suburbs were:
Werribee (4,474 incidents)
Tarneit (3,225)
Hoppers Crossing (2,891)
Truganina, while not without incidents, was not among the top three suburbs, yet it has become the sole beneficiary of a ratepayer-funded patrol.
Despite this, Wyndham Council passed the initiative at its most recent meeting as part of the 2025–26 Annual Plan and Budget. The $372,000 patrol will run for 12 months and be delivered by a private contractor. No formal performance framework has been released.
The trial’s inclusion came after a public consultation process that saw nearly 4,800 responses — one of the highest engagement levels in years. Residents were asked directly about the patrol trial:
42% opposed it outright
23% supported it with changes
Only 35% supported it as presented
Yet, the trial remained unchanged in the final budget.
Cr. Larry Zhao, who opposed the initiative, said:
“This isn’t consultation. It’s a box-ticking exercise dressed up as democracy.”
Multiple motions to amend or remove the patrol were rejected, with Councillors McGuire, Barrera, King, Gilligan, and Mayor Shaw voting against changes. The full budget passed 8–3.
Because the patrol was embedded within the overall $329 million financial plan, dissenting councillors were left with an ultimatum — vote down essential services, or accept the controversial patrol.
The patrol trial has long been linked to Cr. Preet Singh, who made it a key election promise. The patrol route overlaps heavily with areas represented by Cr. Singh and Deputy Mayor Josh Gilligan — leading to accusations of political favouritism and postcode bias.
Residents in other parts of Wyndham — including estates like Jubilee, Mambourin, and The Grove — have criticised the decision, noting that they already pay privately for patrols while receiving no support from Council.
Council’s own budget papers acknowledge the trial raises “equity concerns” and may “set a precedent.”
With the patrol now approved, Council will move forward with contracting a security provider. A review of the trial is expected after 12 months.
But for many, the broader concern is not about security — it’s about trust in consultation, the use of evidence, and the role of Council in policing.
As one resident submitted during consultation:
“This should be a state policing responsibility, not a local rates-funded promise.”
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