An average of two houses were burgled in Melton every day last financial year, new police data reveals.
Crime statistics released last week also show assault, drug
offences and crime against the person increased in the 12 months to
July.
Total crime in Melton increased from 8296 reported incidents in 2011-12 to 8305 in 2012-13.
Crime against the person jumped from 1268 incidents to 1425, assaults from 1091 to 1180 and drug offences from 350 to 384.
Inspector Stephen Mutton said a specialised burglary unit had helped decrease residential burglaries by 14 per cent.
“We are still experiencing a rise in ‘other’ burglary categories
such as shop premises, garages and sheds and new houses under
construction, where thieves are stealing whitegoods, bathroom and
laundry fittings, copper piping, and building materials.”
Inspector Mutton encouraged tradesmen and the community to secure premises and report any suspicious activity.
Total crime in Moorabool jumped 13 per cent, from 2414 incidents to 2729.
Moorabool police Inspector Brendon McCrory said there had been a
large increase in demand for police services and a steady rise in
population.
“Of note in the figures are the continued high figures in theft
from motor vehicles, which has had an increase of 56.1 per cent. Most
of these thefts are from unlocked vehicles and at night.”
Reported assaults in Moorabool went up from 257 to 348, crime against the person from 314 to 425 and drug offences from 94 to 119.
Inspector McCrory said family violence was a major concern, with an increase of 30 incidents in the last year (from 127 to 157).
“A divisional family violence unit has been established and continues to target this crime theme. We encourage residents who have been the victims of family violence to report the matter to us and we can offer various avenues of support and referral to appropriate agencies.”
