The City of Canning has confirmed its ongoing commitment to improving safety and security with the launch of this year’s Safe Canning Action Plan.
The comprehensive plan guides the implementation of initiatives and programs that enhance community safety, focussing on people, place, and partnerships.
Mayor Patrick Hall acknowledged that safety is a collective effort and highlighted the City’s proactive stance.
“Community safety is a shared responsibility, and the Safe Canning Action Plan provides a clear framework to guide our efforts. By working together with residents, businesses, and stakeholders, we can create a safer and more connected community,” he said.
The Safe Canning Action Plan 2025 was the result of ongoing community consultation which addresses key safety concerns and aims to improve perceptions of safety in the City.
It focuses on practical solutions to enhance community safety. These areas include community awareness and education, personal safety and security, building community relationships, home and business security, graffiti management, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and proactive reporting.
Mayor Hall also encouraged residents to take simple but effective steps to enhance safety at home.
“Keeping our homes and neighbourhoods safe starts with simple steps. Installing security lighting, locking doors and windows, and using CCTV or smart doorbell cameras can make a big difference. Getting involved in Neighbourhood Watch or local community groups helps build a stronger, more connected community. Most importantly, reporting anything suspicious to WA Police and the City of Canning ensures quick action and a safer place for everyone.”
Anything designed to improve community safety is a step in the right direction.
In the February 27 edition of the The Examiner it was reported how some residents in Bentley were living in fear, with regular gangland style activity in the streets.
“It will be interesting to see how this plan is different from the last one,” a Bentley resident who chose to remain anonymous said.
“Will this plan help? Absolutely not. If it helped the crime rate would be going down not up. I wonder if the criminals read the action plan. The initiatives don’t sound new. I’m sick of all the talk. We the residents are looking for less kids on the streets. I am pleased however that the council rangers have dash cam, but we need more rangers, and we need the police to take more action.”
The community consultation to develop the plan involved year-round events and consultation opportunities, with the primary consultation focused on Community Safety Month in October.
Thirty-seven pop-up events and initiatives were held last October to increase engagement and participation in a Community Safety Survey.
As a result, 603 responses were received, representing all suburbs and a wide range of ages and cultural backgrounds.
“These survey responses, combined with crime statistics from WA Police, internal city data, demographic insights, and public requests, help shape the priority actions, initiatives, and programs outlined in this year’s Action Plan,” Mayor Hall said.
According to Mayor Hall, the city collaborates closely with WA Police, attending regular meetings to discuss emerging crime trends and to achieve shared outcomes, along with the Action Plan being developed and implemented in partnership with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
A key initiative of the Safe Canning Action Plan is the Security Incentive Scheme (SIS) which aims to empower residents by providing financial rebates for security enhancements.
If the figures are correct, the scheme has made a significant impact in strengthening home security across the community.
To date, the program has driven over $1.92 million in total security-related spending by residents, with every $1 invested by the city incentivising $8.06 in additional security upgrades.
With over 1,388 applications received to date, the initiative has directly contributed to the installation of 3,476 security items, including CCTV systems, security doors, and lighting.
This investment not only improves home safety but also enhances the overall security of neighbourhoods, reinforcing the City’s commitment to keeping Canning safe, according to the City of Canning.
Mayor Hall said he encourages all residents to take full advantage of the initiative.
“The success of the Security Incentive Scheme demonstrates the commitment of our community to improving safety. I urge residents who haven’t yet applied to take this opportunity while funding is still available,” he said
For more information about Security Incentive Scheme visit canning.wa.gov.au/saferhomes.
To view the full Safe Canning Action Plan visit
https://cdn.canning.wa.gov.au/media/y0mfdhfi/safe–canning–action–plan–2025.pdf
