HALTING a rise in family violence, car thefts and property damage are the top challenges for Melton police, new crime figures reveal.
Inspector Steve Mutton said despite increases of some crimes, a significant reduction in reported robberies and house burglaries was pleasing.
Data for the 2012 calendar year, released last week, show total crime increased 12 per cent.
Reports of property damage were up 26 per cent (1205 incidents, up from 953), while the number of car thefts increased 20 per cent, with 485 cars stolen compared to 402 the previous year.
Family violence reports were up 18 per cent (from 402 to 478).
Women’s Health West chief Robyn Gregory said the police statistics were reflected in a 40 per cent increase in family violence-related workload for her organisation in the past 12 months.
She agreed higher reporting rates reflected a greater willingness by women to speak out. She added that times of economic and other stress tended to lead to more violence.
“We’ve seen as many clients in the past seven months as we dealt with in the entire year before.
“There are a number of family violence orders being breached, which is a bad thing, but the good thing is it means it’s coming to the attention of police and women are being referred to our service.”
Women’s Health West also receives referrals from GPs and other health professionals.
Dr Gregory said many new migrants may not have enough trust in police to report violence directly.
She called for more funding for family violence prevention but conceded it would be “brave” for a government to commit to programs with outcomes achieved beyond the short term.
Melton’s annual crime statistics also revealed a small decrease in residential burglaries (from 930 incidents to 895) and a large drop in robberies (83 to 57).
Inspector Mutton said Melton’s specialised burglary unit was having an impact.
He said that with most burglaries, victims had left access doors unlocked, making it easy for thieves to take power tools, mowers and other garden equipment.
“Home owners are reminded to keep all [areas] locked at all times when not in use . . . thieves are targeting houses under construction for white goods, bathroom and laundry fittings, copper piping, and building materials.”
Inspector Mutton said a large increase in reports of property damage in Caroline Springs had led to targeted police patrols.
Theft of and from cars was also a concern, with Inspector Mutton urging residents to always lock their vehicles and remove valuables.
“Most offences are in residential areas, predominantly in people’s driveway or out the front of their home.”
