MELTON police are conducting targeted patrols in Caroline Springs as a response to a spike in property damage in the past 12 months.
Victoria Police crime statistics released last week revealed a significant increase in property damage in and around the Caroline Springs Township involving indiscriminate damage to stationary cars and other property.
Melton Inspector Steve Mutton said the patrols are targeting identified ‘hot spots’ in order to curb the concerning trend.
Overall crime increased by 12.4 per cent in the past year, with 8459 crimes recorded between January 2012 and December 2012.
For the second year in a row the most common crime was against property with 5813 incidents recorded, revealing an increase of 8.2 per cent.
Insp Mutton said while the area continues to experience increases in various crime categories, there has been a significant reduction in robberies and house burglaries.
“With the introduction of a specialised burglary unit within the Melton Criminal Investigation Unit, residential burglaries have decreased but we are still experiencing a rise in ‘other’ burglary categories (32 per cent) such as in commercial/shop premises, garages/shed, and new houses under construction,” Insp Mutton said.
“In the majority of garages/sheds burglaries, victims have left access doors unlocked making it very easy for thieves to take power tools, mowers and other garden equipment.”
He urged home owners to keep all garages and sheds locked at all times when not in use.
Assaults increased by 20.1 per cent, while assaults excluding family violence increased by 20.9 per cent.
“In order to reduce the increase in reported crime we recently introduced a Safer Communities Task Force to target identified high risk community locations such as shopping centres, transport hubs and public places in order to provide a high visible police presence and deterrence factor.
“Additionally, a Family Violence Unit has been formed to assist victims and ensure appropriate referrals and assistance has been implemented. Violence within the home is a crime and is a priority for Victoria Police.”
Theft of motor vehicles increased by 20.6 per cent, while theft from motor vehicles increased by only 6.9 per cent.
Subsequently a Vehicle Crime Task Force has been formed and is targeting recidivist car thieves and particular hot spots within the Melton PSA.
