Crime in Brimbank has increased with the municipality recording 18,876 offences in the twelve months to June, up 7.5 per cent from the previous year which recorded 17,551 offences.
The latest Crime Statistics Agency data show theft from motor vehicles continues to be the most common crime in Brimbank at 3045, followed by breaches of family violence orders (1651) and other theft (1628).
Incidents of criminal damage (1396) and motor vehicle theft (1131) came in as the fourth and fifth subgroups of offence type.
The top five suburbs for crime remain the same.
St Albans was the biggest crime hotspot (3846) followed by Sunshine (3385), Deer Park (1509), Sunshine North (1489) and Sunshine West (1453).
Brimbank Local Area Commander Inspector Matt Bui said police are working to tackle crime especially in St Albans.
“Victoria Police provides a 24-7 response to the St Albans area, with targeted patrols taking place around the clock, including at shopping strips and public transport hubs,” he said.
Houses remain the top location for offences recorded at 5466, followed by crime incidents taking place on local streets and footpaths (3258) and single-level carparks (917).
There was a reduction in offences occurring in driveways (655) — down 35 from last year — as well as in court (592) — down 38 from the previous year.
Across the state theft from motor vehicles remains the fastest growing and most common crime, with 86,351 offences recorded, up 39.4 per cent the previous year.
“Number plates are the most common items stolen, accounting for almost 40 per cent of motor vehicle theft offences,” Inspector Bui said.
“Not only is it an inconvenience to car owners, number plate theft is often at the centre of more serious offending.
“Stolen number plates are often used by offenders to hide the identity of a vehicle when committing other crimes such as burglaries, ram raids, petrol drive offs and to evade police.
“There are also simple measures the community can take to prevent falling victim – install anti-theft screws, always lock your car, remove valuables, never leave your car unattended while running, and where possible, park off the street.”
