The town’s station has been left unmanned since August, after its sole officer David Flannery transferred across the state.

The station has since been under review.

Northern Grampians Inspector Ian Lindsay said it was policy to review a station’s position in the community once it was left unmanned.

He said part of the review included community consultation.

Cr Grange said more than 90 people including Inspector Lindsay attended a community meeting last month.

He said after the community meeting, police advertised for a member who could be available for emergencies at all times.

Cr Grange said the large number of Minyip residents who attended the meeting showed how important a manned police station was to the town.

‘‘The hall was packed, I didn’t expect that many,’’ he said. 

‘‘It was quite a successful meeting. It’s clear the community is behind the police.’’

Cr Grange has been passionate about recruiting a new officer to man the station.

Ahead of last month’s meeting, he said Minyip’s crime level could sky-rocket without a full-time officer.

‘‘Crooks zero in when there are no police,’’ he said.

Cr Grange said there had been an increase in crime at Minyip. 

‘‘There have been break-ins, graffiti around the place, traffic issues, all sorts of things,’’ he said.

Cr Grange said a condition of the new position was the member must live at Minyip.

He said although the new member would need to travel to other places in the region, being based in Minyip would give the residents a sense of security.

Cr Grange believes having a member living in town will deter people from committing crimes.

‘‘If there’s a police officer there, they will think twice about it,’’ he said.

Cr Grange hoped whoever was appointed to the role would fit in well with the Minyip community.

‘‘We need a community-minded police officer, someone who mixes with the community – ‘user-friendly’ if you like,’’ he said.