Offences involving the drug methamphetamine have almost doubled in Brimbank.
New figures from a Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) research paper show that the number of methamphetamine (ice)-related offences rose by about 90 per cent, to 273, in the year to March 31 from 143 the previous year.
Detective Senior Sergeant Matthew Baynes, of the Brimbank crime investigation unit, attributes the steep rise in ice-related offences to Victoria Police’s work in tackling the destructive drug.
“These statistics reflect that fact that we’ve made it a greater focus,” he said.
“And that’s because of its devastating impact.
“We know from our intelligence that it’s a real problem within the community. It’s a real driver of crime.
“The concern we have is that people with relatively normal lives, without any convictions against their name, are using it.
“It can get out of control – and that’s when they resort to crime.”
John Wynde, who helps run the Family Drug Help – Sunshine Peer Support Group, said the number of referrals the group received was on the rise.
But he said most group members’ relatives and partners were dealing with alcohol addiction.
“The most prevalent and harmful drug is still alcohol, but there has been an increase in ice use,” he said.
The CSA’s research paper, What drug types drove increases in drug use and possession offences in Victoria over the past decade?, reveals methamphetamine users were more likely than other types of drug users to be aged between 25 and 29, female, in a relationship and employed.
