Police say thefts and burglaries are still the biggest challenges in Brimbank, despite their showing a recent decline.
Almost 8000 theft and burglary offences were reported in Brimbank during the 12 months from April 1 last year to March 31 this year – a drop on the previous year.
More than 6000 thefts were reported in Brimbank during this time, on top of 1952 burglaries, the Crime Statistics Agency has revealed. Reports of theft for the same period in 2013-14 numbered more than 6700, while burglars struck more than 2000 times.
Brimbank’s Acting Inspector Craig Peel said theft and burglary from homes, businesses and vehicles continued to challenge police even though there had been an eight per cent drop in these crimes.
“It’s really important we get back to the age-old tradition of look, lock then leave,” Acting Inspector Peel said.
“If I can get just one message out there, it’s to be more cautious around your house,” he said. “Lock your house, lock your windows, lock your vehicles and don’t leave any valuables in your car. Don’t give thieves the opportunity to use items and tools around your house or car to break in.”
Overall statistics for other crimes, including assaults, sexual offences and arson, dropped. Disorderly and offensive conduct declined by about 110 reports compared to 2013-14 statistics.
“We certainly look at our crime trends and we look at rostering around those trends,” Acting Inspector Peel said.
The selling, use and manufacture of drugs were challenging not only for law enforcing agencies but also referral agencies and families.
“Drugs are a scourge across Victoria and the nation,” he said. “We really encourage the community to ring triple-0 and Crime Stoppers to identify what’s happening.”
Reports of drug dealing and trafficking increased slightly during the statistical period, from 286 to 308 offences, while cultivating and manufacturing drugs, and drug use and possession, decreased slightly.
Acting Inspector Peel said police tackled drug problems in a number of ways, including helping to direct offenders to rehabilitation options.
He said this approach would have long-term benefits for the wider community.
“All these things are challenging for us – drugs, family violence, road trauma. We as an organisation will look at using our resources as best we can to keep crimes down.”
Acting Inspector Peel encouraged the community to act with dignity and respect which, he said, would help keep crime rates down.
