By NATALIE GALLENTI-BREKALO
DESPITE a decrease in nearly all crime categories Melton’s top cop is warning would-be offenders that local police will not become complacent.
Inspector Stephen Mutton told Star the results of Victoria Police’s latest crime statistics were pleasing, however assault, and in particular family violence, continued to plague the area.
The statistics released last week show total crime has increased by 6.3 per cent from 8464 in January 2012 to December 2012 to 8998 in January 2013 to December 2013.
Assaults have increased by 8.4 per cent from 1164 to 1262 with 613 family violence incidents reported.
Insp Mutton said violence within the home is a priority for police across the state and said in Melton there had been a reduction in repeat offences.
The recent figures also show a reduction in property damage, burglary, theft of motor vehicles and theft from motor vehicles.
However Insp Mutton said the months since December 2013 have seen a spike in offences across the municipalities.
“Even though the figures are good, we’re not getting complacent because there are many challenges ahead,” Insp Mutton said.
“The decrease in robbery is pleasing, but we still need to reduce the incidences of assault which continue to occur both inside and outside the home.
“Although there are significant decreases in property crime offences, over the past two months we have been experiencing a rise in burglaries and vehicle crime throughout the Melton Police Service Area.”
Insp Mutton said the specialised Burglary Unit within the Melton Criminal Investigation Unit had continued to make arrests resulting in residential burglaries decreasing, but the area continued to see a rise in ‘other’ burglary categories such as commercial/shop premises, garages/sheds, and new houses under construction where thieves are stealing white goods, bathroom and laundry fittings, copper piping, and building materials.
“Safety committees who meet regularly have been established at high risk community locations including the Woodgrove Shopping Centre and also at the Melton Railway Station, where police are working with council and other partners to create a safer environment.”
A specialised tasking unit targeting recidivist crime offenders and drug dealers has successfully executed a number of search warrants and made crucial arrests.
Insp Mutton urged anyone with information relating to any crimes to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
