By Laura Michell
Brimbank’s crime rate has risen by 9 per cent in the 12 months to March, driven by a surge in thefts.
Latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency reveals 19,187 offences were recorded in Brimbank in the year to March, up from 17, 619 offences in the 12 months to March 2018.
Thefts rose 15 per cent as a result of increases in thefts from retail stores and motor vehicle thefts.
In the 12 months to March, more than 740 motor vehicle thefts were recorded, up from 685 in the previous 12 months.
Thefts from retail stores rose 22 per cent from 714 offences in the 12 months to March 2018 to 869 offences in the 12 months to March 2019.
New crime statistics for the year ending 31 March 2019 are live on the t.co/koW4lkG5Gk website. Highest offender incident rates and lowest victimisation rates since 2004-5. pic.twitter.com/NdaCZKJohO
— Crime Statistics Agency (@CrimeStatsVic) June 19, 2019
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Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said the increase in offences could be attributed to police work.
“We can continue to prevent and detect crime,” he said.
Crime Statistics Agency Data also revealed a 16 per cent rise in family violence incidents in the year to March, with 2839 incidents recorded.
“We don’t want to be attending one family violence incident and we are trying to stamp it out. We know it is a huge problem in society,” Deputy Commissioner Patton said.
Statistics also show a drop in burglaries, with 1523 offences recorded in the 12 months to March, down from 1567 in the previous reporting period.
