ROBBERY offences were nearly halved in the Melton Police Service Area in a 12 month period, according to the latest Victoria Police statistics.
Robbery offences totalled 48 from October 2011 to September 2012, down from 81 the previous year.
However, property damage (27.3 per cent increase), assaults (21.1), and theft from motor vehicles (18.3) were all up on the previous 12 months.
Property damage also topped the most number offences with 1212, while theft from motor vehicles (1139) and assaults (1117) were not too far behind.
Melton Inspector Mario Fiorentino highlighted commercial and shed burglaries, property damage, and theft of and from motor vehicles as high priorities for the area.
“We have experienced a significant increase in property damage in and around the Caroline Springs township involving indiscriminate damage to stationary cars, graffiti to buildings and fencing, and glass breakages to bus shelters,” he said.
“Police are conducting targeted patrols in identified ‘hot-spot’ areas in order to curb this trend.”
Overall, there was a 15.6 per cent increase in recorded crime, with 8320 offences up on the previous year’s 7197.
Offences falling under ‘crimes against the property’ had the highest number of offences with 2774.
Insp Fiorentino said there was a “downwards trend” in residential burglaries (885 recorded down from 887) but noted a rise in other burglaries (240 up from 210).
“We are seeing a rise in “other” burglary categories such as in commercial/shop premises, garages/sheds, and new houses under construction.
“In the majority of garages/sheds burglaries, victims have left access doors unlocked making it very easy for thieves to take power tools, mowers, garden equipment etc.”
Insp Fiorentino said the recently introduced Safer Communities Task Force is targeting “high risk community locations” such as shopping centres and transport hubs.
