Shoppers get caffeine fix with Darebin police at Northland shopping centre

SHOPPERS had a chance to have a cuppa with a copper at Northland shopping centre last week when the boys and girls in blue let their hair down.

Northland’s Jenny Pike, Inpector Kelly Lawson and Darebin Councillor Lina Messina have a cuppa. Picture: Luis Ascui

SHOPPERS had a chance to have a cuppa with a copper at Northland shopping centre last week when the boys and girls in blue let their hair down.

Organisers hope the coffee fix will lead to a crime fix in Darebin by making police more approachable.

About 30 residents joined officers for free coffee in the first “cuppa with a cop” event at the centre earlier this month at the Degani Cafe, with more informal coffee-dates scheduled.

Darebin police mascot, Sergeant Pete, an oversized costumed character, took children under his wing while their parents chatted to police and Darebin Councillor Lina Messina.

The event, held by Darebin police, Darebin Council and centre management, aimed to break down barriers between the community and police, Darebin’s police inspector Kelly Lawson said.