By Olivia Condous
The number of crimes reported in Melton has significantly dropped over the previous financial year, according to crime review data.
Victoria Police conducted a crime review for the Brimbank and Melton Police Service Area over a 21-week period in order to gather data on the number of crime reports, which recorded a 15.4 per cent drop.
Melton local area commander Inspector Lisa Prentice-Evans said police were “definitely happy” with the result.
“It coincides with an increased police presence in the community and a focus on Neighbourhood Policing,” she said.
Inspector Prentice-Evans said while pandemic restrictions may have contributed to the drop in reports, the decrease in serious offences was “incredibly positive.”.
“Police are working hard with our external partners to implement early intervention initiatives to try to divert young people away from crime,” she said.
According to police data, the most prevalent crime report in Melton was theft, particularly from motor vehicles.
Inspector Prentice-Evans warned residents to remain cautious to avoid being a victim of theft.
“Whilst police do carry out proactive patrols throughout Melton, this is a timely reminder for our community to take preventative steps,” she said.
“Ensure vehicles are secured overnight and no valuables are left in vehicles when unattended, including tradies with work tools stored in their vehicles.”
While crime reports in Melton decreased on average, Inspector Prentice-Evans said there was no discernible trend in what types of crimes were decreasing.
“The types of calls that we are receiving are ever changing, one week there may be a higher level of property crime whereas the following week may show an increase in anti-social behaviour.”
For non-urgent incidents, use the Police Assistance Line (131 444) and Online Reporting (onlinereporting.police.vic.gov.au) to report crime.
