The rise in crime has reignited resident calls for a greater police presence. Almost 6000 people joined a recently formed Neighborhood Watch Facebook group, posting about “suspicious-looking” cars and offering suggestions to neighbors. Hundreds of people are expected to rally next month near the Caroline Springs police station, calling on the state government and Victoria Police chief commissioner to heed their concerns. Rally organizer Maria Kerr says community groups, victims and police union boss Ron Iddles will address the rally, from 11am on Saturday, August 13. “Our goal is to get media attention, to get the community together and show we’re united,” Ms Kerr said. It’s an ongoing call for action by residents – more than 150 people gathered at Hillside last week looking for answers from police. Senior Sergeant Trevor King said police have ramped up patrols in response to reports of teenagers, some as young as 13, involved in stealing cars, breaking into homes and terrorizing people across the western suburbs. He said Operation Cosmas – a taskforce set up to investigate the current spate of home invasions, carjackings and other aggravated burglary offences – had arrested more than 75 people since May.