By Laura Michell
Crime in Brimbank fell to a 10-year low in the 12 months to March, new crime data reveals.
According to Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data, 16,839 offences were recorded in Brimbank in the year to March, down 11.8 per cent from March 2021 when 19,082 offences were recorded.
The CSA data shows that as of March this year, the municipality’s crime rate had fallen to its lowest level since 2013 (18,643), when CSA records began.
Acting Inspector Jamie Walker described the drop in overall crime across Brimbank as “incredibly positive”.
“It is especially pleasing to see steady decreases in crimes against the person, theft offences including vehicle theft which greatly impact the community,” Acting Inspector Walker said.
“The decrease in overall crime can also be attributed to the drop in the number of chief health officer breaches that occurred last year, with an approximate 86 per cent drop in the number of public health and safety offences as we saw greater compliance in the community with the CHO directions.
“We are seeing really low crime rates as the community gradually comes out of the pandemic, however we are prepared for increases through our proactive operations and by maintaining a highly visible presence in the community to not only detect but deter offending before it occurs.”
While the overall crime rate fell, Brimbank recorded 12.4 per cent increase in thefts from motor vehicles, with 2377 offences recorded in the year to March, up from 2114 the previous year.
“Unfortunately we saw an increase in thefts from vehicles, however when comparing with pre-pandemic levels the figures remain relatively stable. Our intelligence indicates the vast majority of these offences occur when cars are left unlocked or windows are left open, so while we will continue to run regular operations to target this offending we are urging the community to ensure their valuable items are secure, including locking car doors and not leaving valuable items in plain sight in their vehicles,” Acting Inspector Walker said.
Brimbank also recorded a 2.3 per cent increase in breaches of family violence orders (1703 offences recorded), despite a 6.1 per cent drop in family violence incidents in the year to March.
“It has been well documented that family violence issues were exacerbated as a result of people spending longer durations confined to their homes, but we can also attribute this increase community confidence to report these serious crimes to police and demonstrate that police act and respond to these incidents,” Acting Inspector Walker said.
“As we continue to return to normality, people will continue to see police out and about keeping the community safe. We will continue to engage with the community to understand the issues that are impacting everyone the most, and develop solutions as to how we can ensure everyone both feels safe, and is safe within the Brimbank area.”
