By YASEMIN TALAT
Melton has experienced an explosion in robberies and assaults over the last 12 months, according to new statistics.
Robbery was up 37.5 per cent during the period 1 October 2012 – 30 September 2013, compared to the previous 12 months.
Assault offences were also up 15.5 per cent and assault excluding family violence was up 17.4 per cent.
On the flip side property damage, burglary (residential), theft from motor vehicle and theft of motor vehicle categories had all decreased.
Acting Inspector Tim O’Connor said Melton Police had implemented many important initiatives to combat crime and would continue to evaluate and improve on these initiatives.
“We have seen significant decreases in areas including residential burglary, theft of motor car, theft from motor car and property damage,” Insp O’Connor said.
“This is the result of strengthening our Crime Investigation Unit with specialised Burglary and Vehicle Crime Task Forces.
“We are continually striving to achieve reductions in both crime categories.”
Insp O’Connor said The Melton Family Violence Unit was working hard to support local families and ensure appropriate referrals and assistance was in place to help decrease family violence crimes.
“We are looking to increase our response in this area which should see significant outcomes and a reduction in this type of offending into the future,” he said.
There was also a 32 per cent increase in the “Other” crime category which Insp O’Connor said was not necessarily a bad thing.
“We have also seen an increase in our other crime category, which is pleasing in one way because it means we are being proactive with community assistance to identify and charge persons for these offences, including public order and anti-social behaviour,” Insp O’Connor said.
Community safety continues to be a top priority for Melton Police, who are part of safety committee’s set up at identified high risk community locations, including Woodgrove Shopping Centre and Melton Railway Station.
“These committee’s consist of police, council and other identified partners who meet monthly to assist in creating a safe environment for our community,” Insp O’Connor said.
Insp O’Connor said Protective Service Officers at Melton Railway Station were also a great benefit to the community.
“Protective Service Officers are well and truly entrenched in our community and provide a visible and proactive presence in the afternoon and early evenings at the Melton Railway Station,” Insp O’Connor said.
“The benefit of these members is hard to measure but the positive reaction and feedback is pleasing,” he said.
“These important initiatives continue to be evaluated and improved on with the aim of improving the public perception of safety and satisfaction with our policing service,” Insp O’Connor said.
Anyone with information relating to any crime is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
