By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM has bucked the state-wide trend of rising crime with the number of offences falling by over three per cent.
According to the latest Victoria Police figures, the number of reported crimes last year rose by 12,607 in Victoria, a rise of 3.1 per cent but fell by 3.3 per cent in Wyndham.
The drop in overall crime came despite a 55.7 per cent increase in assaults excluding family violence, a 37.5 per cent increase in assaults and a 20.8 per cent increase in robberies.
The biggest drop was in residential burglaries which fell by 35.9 per cent and theft from motor vehicles which took a 25.2 per cent hit.
Wyndham Police Inspector Damien Christensen said when the figures were viewed in comparison to the number of residents in the municipality, there had been a reduction in overall crime of 10.2 per cent.
“It is extremely pleasing to record a 10.2 per cent reduction in total crime,” Insp Christensen said.
“I am also pleased to see that we have continued to achieve a 19.4 per cent reduction in serious injury accidents.
“Reducing the road toll and incidence of road trauma in Wyndham is significant in light of the increased volume of traffic and construction of roads within the area.”
Insp Christensen said he expected crime to drop in some problem areas of the municipality thanks to new initiatives.
“The work being done with our key stakeholders in providing a safer community has resulted in an application for funding, supported by Victoria Police, for increased lighting in Station Place and the surrounding area and consultation with licensed venues and shopping centres to help reduce crime and public order offences,” he said.
“Wyndham continues to grow at a rapid rate and calls for assistance and other demands on our service have continued to increase. This makes partnership policing even more important for us to remain both proactive and reactive in a dynamic community.”
Inspector Christensen said detailed information revealed the cause for a high increase in the number of assaults.
“The information provided has identified that many of the reported assaults have occurred between people known but not related to each other, road rage incidents and an increase in assaults on police and Protective Services Officers in the execution of their duty,” he said.
“We also record and manage all reported assaults occurring within Port Phillip Prison. While we continue to focus on property crime, we will also focus on achieving a reduction in reported assaults.”
Insp Christensen said Wyndham residents could assist police in driving down crime by taking simple measures.
“I urge everyone in our community to continue to assist your local police by acting responsibly, securing your vehicles, belongings and houses and reporting to police anything that would assist in making for a safer community,” he said.
