Coffee with a cop

Local coppers and the community came together earlier today, May 8 in Bulahdelah and Forster for the annual Coffee with a Cop catch-up.

In Forster about 50 people popped by Jamaica Blue at Stocklands Mall during the hour-long cuppa and a chat event.

Manning-Great Lakes Police District local area commander, Detective Superintendent Shane Cribb explained the concept behind the meet and greet was to get out into the public and engage with the community.

“It’s about letting the public know what is going on and for them to meet local police,” he said.

Superintendent Cribb said he was pleased with the positive response from the community, who thanked police for the work being done within the Great Lakes.

“And, people stopped by to share their experiences with us,” he said.

Superintendent Cribb, who took up his appointment earlier this year, has made it his mission and that of the Manning-Great Lakes Police District to tackle crime before it happens.

“Our big focus is on crime prevention,” he said.

To assist police with their project, Superintendent Cribb has appealed to members of the public to be vigilant and report anything they believe is suspicious.

We can only prevent crime with help from the public, he said.

Internal renovation work on the Forster Police Station is expected to begin in the next three weeks.

Coming on the back of the announcement of a new station at Taree, the renovations would ensure a bigger, more comfortable and efficient environment for serving police officers.