Lithgow police took time out from regular duties to meet with members of the public for Coffee with a Cop on Thursday.
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A number of Lithgow’s thin blue line, including Chifley Local Area Chief Inspector Glenn Cogdell, were there to hear people’s concerns at the Wollemi Bakery and Cafe.
Chief Inspector Cogdell said he was very pleased with the turnout and the interaction that took place.
“It’s been exceptional. We’ve met a lot of people within the community, some people have expressed concerns that we will address but overall it’s been a fantastic event,” he said.
“It’s about community engagement. It’s a time when we can meet with the public in a social setting and talk about normal things, rather than meeting someone in a work-related atmosphere.
Chief Inspector Cogdell said similar events were happening all over NSW, including Bathurst, also in the Chifley LAC..
Local residents Barry Lawson and Robyn da Costa took the opportunity to come and talk to local officers and enjoyed the experience.
“I thought it was a great chance for people to come and see another side to the police and voice any concerns. I found them to be very approachable and friendly and it was a great initiative,” Ms da Costa said.
“It’s something I would like to see happen more often.”
Mr Lawson said it was good to talk to police in a relaxed setting.
“I’m the president of the local garden club and I thought it would be good to come to this community event and get to know the local police,” he said.
Chief Inspector Cogdell said a good relationship between police and the community was crucial for Lithgow and encouraged anyone to provide information they had that could help reduce local crime.
“If anyone has any issues in relation to crime, please don’t hesitate to tell local police or Crimestoppers. Please utilise Crimestoppers wherever you can,” Chief Inspector Cogdell said.
“As pointed out by the ladies I spoke to, any piece of information provided can be the last piece in a jigsaw.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small, it all helps.”