By Belinda Nolan
RECENT police crackdowns and greater reporting of offences are believed to be behind a significant drop in crime in Brimbank over a 12-month period.
The latest police statistics have revealed massive reductions in crime for the municipality across 11 out of 14 categories.
Overall crime in Brimbank has plummeted by more than 10 per cent since April last year, with 929 fewer crimes recorded than in the previous 12 months.
The biggest drops were in robbery and non-residential burglaries, down 23.9 per cent and 26.2 per cent respectively.
Car thefts, crimes against the person and property and drug offences were also on the decline, along with assault, which plunged by an impressive10.3 per cent.
But residential burglaries were on the rise, with a 9.2 per cent jump over the previous 12 months.
Brimbank Police Inspector Michael Grainger said police were thrilled with the results but said more work needed to be done to drive down crime in every category.
“I’m really happy with the statistics but it’s certainly a work in progress,” Insp Grainger said.
“We’ve been working really hard but there is still a lot to do to meet the community’s expectations.”
Insp Grainger said police had made a concerted effort to target key crime areas over the past year including robbery, road crime and car thefts but said the community had also played a role in the reduction.
“I think there’s pretty clear evidence, particularly with family violence and sexual offences, that people are becoming more confident reporting crimes to police and that’s very pleasing.
“A reduction in crime is not just due to the cops, it’s about the whole community working together.”
Insp Grainger said he believed family violence would prove one of the biggest challenges for Brimbank Police over the next 12 months.
“We’re working really hard on the way we report and respond to incidents of family violence but I expect it’s going to be a challenge for us,” he said.
“Overall, I’m happy with what we’ve achieved so far and I’m hopeful the community will be pleased with the results.”
