By NICOLE VALICEK
POLICE in Hobsons Bay have nabbed more than 280 offenders through a special Crime Impact Team that was set up to target vehicle crime.
The area’s lead inspector said police will “not let up” on crime that is disturbing the Hobsons Bay community.
As such a Crime Impact Team (CIT) assembled in Hobsons Bay in February to combat theft of and from motor vehicles has processed more than 280 offenders and executed 73 search warrants resulting from these arrests.
Separate CITs have been established in Hobsons Bay, Wyndham and Maribyrnong.
Hobsons Bay Police Inspector Richard Paterson said all crime in Hobsons Bay was an issue and vehicle crime was one that needed to be addressed.
“I will continue to focus on crime that affects the community of Hobsons Bay and at present vehicle crime is one of these,” Insp Paterson said. “We want to improve community safety and reduce the number of victims in our neighbourhood.”
According to the police statistics theft of motor vehicles experienced a 44 per cent jump from 268 from 1 April to 21 March 2011 compared to 386 from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013. While there were 896 thefts from motor vehicles from 1 April 2011 to 21 March 2012 compared to 1032 from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013, a 15.2 per cent jump.
Insp Paterson said the strategy and targeted operation is succeeding in reducing this type of crime.
“The team does focus strongly on recidivist offenders and we continue to see many offenders not residing in our area.” “The team has been tenacious in their approach to arrest offenders and reduce the incidence of this crime.”
“There will be no let-up to our approach to crime in Hobsons Bay.”
He said the cars that have been broken into are either unlocked, have valuable property within plain view through the window or had their number plates stolen.
And that an integral part of the unit was the assistance from the community.
“Information from the public is crucial to this and allows us to follow up every possible lead.”
Police advise people to take preventative measures to ward off opportunistic thieves like removing valuables from sight, ensuring doors were locked and windows we closed and parking off the street.
Anyone who observes suspicious behaviour or has information about offences should contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
