By Laura Michell
Melton’s crime rate fell by 10 per cent in the 12 months to June, new data reveals.
According to the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA), there were 12,132 offences recorded in the municipality in the year to June, down from 13,540 offences in the previous 12 months.
CSA data shows the drop in crime was driven by a 6.7 per cent decrease in thefts from a motor vehicle, falling from 1128 offences in June, 2021, to 1052 in June this year.
Other theft offences fell 5.5 per cent to 1325 offences, while breaches of family violence orders fell 2.4 per cent to 1898.
The data shows that the highest number of offences in the 12 moths to June, 2022, were recorded in Melton (1973), although the overall number of offences in the suburb was 10 per cent lower than June, 2021.
Melton South (1238 offences), Caroline Springs (1187), Melton West (884) and Hillside (586) rounded out the top five offence locations, although all the suburbs experienced a drop in crime.
Speaking to Star Weekly last month, Melton local area commander Inspector Lisa Prentice-Evans said the drop in crime coincided with increased police presence in the community and a focus on neighbourhood policing.
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.”
Meanwhile, the number of offences recorded in Moorabool fell from 2635 in June, 2021, to 1936 in June, 2022.
The most common offences recorded were breaches of family violence orders, with 229 breaches in the 12 months to June, followed by criminal damage (165), other thefts (154), thefts from a motor vehicle (137) and public health and safety offence (128).
Bacchus Marsh recorded the highest number of offences (665), followed by Darley (326), Maddingley (276), Ballan (133) and Leigh Creek (46).
