Tara Murray
Criminal offences dropped by more than 15 per cent in Brimbank in the year to September, according to new Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data.
The data, which was released last week, shows there were 17,741 criminal offences recorded in Brimbank in the 12 months to September, down from 21,044 offences from the previous 12 months – a drop of 15.7 per cent.
St Albans was the top area for crime in Brimbank, despite a drop in previous figures. There were 4362 cases in St Albans for the recording period.
Sunshine, Deer Park, Sunshine North and Sunshine West, with all but Sunshine North recording a drop in offences.
Stealing from a motor vehicle was the number one crime in Brimbank in the 12 months to September, with 2504 offences. That was up on the previous year.
There were also more than 1000 offences of breaching family violence orders, other theft, criminal damage and drug possession.
More than a third (6214) of all crimes in Brimbank in the 12 months to September were in the home.
There was a slight drop in the number of family violence incidents, with 2942 incidents down from 2949 on the previous 12 months.
Overall, the criminal offences dropped by 10 per cent across the state.
Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Rick Nugent said it’s really pleasing to see the overall reduction in crime over the past year.
“While we know that COVID restrictions have contributed to the decrease, the result remains a positive outcome for the Victorian community.
“Less crime also means fewer victims, with a reduction in 27,338 victim reports in the last twelve months.
“This represents the largest decrease in victim reports and lowest count in ten years.
“We are particularly encouraged by the reduced number of burglaries, robberies and thefts, offences that can be very distressing for victims.
“As we move into the festive season and head into the new year, every Victoria Police officer will be doing everything in their power to keep the crime rate low and the community safe.”
