Targeting Moorabool’s licensed pubs, clubs, bars and high-risk locations has led to an almost 23 per cent drop in assaults, according to Inspector Brendon McCrory.
In the 12 months to March this year, 145 assaults (excluding family violence) were recorded, down from 188 in the previous year.
“We’ve focused on licensed premises and high-risk assault spots, such as Main Street in Bacchus Marsh, and maintained a visible police presence,” Inspector McCrory said.
Other assault figures – including family violence – were down by 16.8 per cent, from 345 offences to 287, which Inspector McCrory said was encouraging.
“Most intervention orders are being activated by police, so they’re very proactive and on top of that,” he said.
Burglaries of non-residential premises rose to 147 offences, from 132 the previous year.
Inspector McCrory said break-ins of shops, factories and sheds were among the biggest challenges facing Moorabool police.
“We’re seeing many cases where opportunistic thieves are targeting unoccupied shops and factories overnight or on weekends,” he said.
“It’s hard for us to target. They’re also going to farm sheds and taking manufacturing tools and equipment.”
In contrast, house burglaries were down by 6.4 per cent, from 264 to 247 offences.
“This is a great thing, helped by the work of the Criminal Investigation Unit,” he said.
“But it comes in waves, and recidivist offenders get released and often get back to robbing houses.”
Vehicle thefts jumped 21.9 per cent, from 96 offences to 117, . but theft from vehicles dropped 15.3 per cent, from 281 to 238 offences.
Moorabool’s total crime was up 5.8 per cent, from 2640 offences to 2793.
Drug offences jumped from 93 offences to 119, a 28 per cent increase, which Inspector McCrory labelled a “two-edged sword”.
“The negative is that there’s obviously more drugs in and about town, and this is continuing to be the case,” he said.
“In a sense, this is positive. These spouts are driven by police detecting drug activity and catching the dealers.
“If you catch enough, the numbers go up pretty fast.”
