Very important people

A group of very dedicated citizens were honoured last week as Lake Illawarra Police said thank you to our local Volunteers in Policing (VIP's) at a special luncheon.

On hand at the luncheon was Commander Lake Illawarra Superintendent Wayne Dedden, Commander of the Volunteers in Policing Unit Inspector Irene Juergens as well as other members of the Lake Illawarra Local Area Command, representatives from Shellharbour City Council and the guests of the hour our Volunteers in Policing.

Mr Dedden said the VIP program has been running for over 10 years.

With a group of about 14 regulars, VIP's are involved in everything from driving police to appointments, audits, assisting in seminars and award ceremonies, emergency operations where VIP's often provide meals for police officers who are working around the clock in times of crisis and assisting in police operations.

"Our VIP's are very proactive in assisting us with crime prevention," Mr Dedden said.

Operation Never Again sees police take steps to ensure victims of crime do not become victims again in the future. VIP's are essential to this operation in spotting potential crimes waiting to happen, for example if someone has left valuables on display in their vehicle VIP's report the car back to police and police send a letter to the owner warning them of the potential danger of their actions.

Essentially VIP's are used to free up police services ensuring police are available for frontline duties.

"This is the most professional group of volunteers I've ever met. Their commitment and dedication is an asset to our command," Mr Dedden said.

Ms Juergens said VIP's contributed over 140 000 hours in one year across the Lake Illawarra Local Area Command and 74 813 hours at Warilla Police Station.

Bill James received recognition at the luncheon for his service in notching up 10 years as a VIP.

"I love it. I have achieved a lot as a volunteer in the past 10 years," he said.

"It keeps me off the streets!"

Anyone can become a volunteer, contact Lake Illawarra Crime Prevention Officer Connie Sammut at Warilla Police Station on 4295 2699 for more information.