INCIDENTS of robbery and residential burglary have fallen in Brimbank, according to the latest Victoria Police crime statistics.
Data released last week reveals robbery fell 6.7 per cent, from 283 incidents to 264, in the year to April.
Residential burglary rates dropped nearly 21 per cent, from 2082 to 1649, while theft from motor vehicle numbers were down 3.5 per cent, from 2688 to 2595.
Acting Inspector Chris Gilbert said despite total crime increasing 9.4 per cent, numbers for key offences were encouraging.
“We have sustained reductions in some, including residential burglary, robbery and thefts from cars.
‘‘This is linked to the establishment of our dedicated teams who focus on prevention as much as enforcement.”
The figures also revealed drug offences rose 43.6 per cent, from 821 incidents to 1179.
Assault excluding family violence was up 31.3 per cent, from 753 offences to 989, and assaults increased by 17.3 per cent, from 1540 to 1807 cases.
Release of the figures came after Brimbank Embona robbery task- force detectives arrested three men following a series of armed robberies in the past three weeks.
Investigators believe the men are responsible for 12 robberies, targeting milkbars and service stations in the western and northern suburbs.
Two of the men were arrested in Preston last Wednesday, with a third man arrested later that night in Altona Meadows.
A Bullengarook man, 21, a Melton West man, 28, and a Gladstone Park man, 24, have been charged with armed robbery, aggravated burglary, and assault with a weapon and theft. They will appear in court at a later date.
Brimbank’s Detective Senior Sergeant Trevor King said the efforts of Avondale Heights, Melton and Altona North police should be applauded.
“These arrests are the result of some very long hours and a concentrated effort by members from several stations working together to make the community safer.”
