By LAURA WAKELY
BRIMBANK police will introduce burglary investigation teams after a 61 per cent increase in residential burglaries.
Criminal Investigation Units will undergo a restructure to create the burglary units at Sunshine and Melton, which will each be headed by a Detective Senior Sergeant.
Crime statistics released last week show a 61 per cent increase in residential burglaries, with 2085 committed between April 2011 and March 2012 compared to 1295 the previous year.
Acting Inspector Mick Shaughnessy said residential burglaries were an “ongoing issue” but one which police were working hard to address.
He said the new CIU model would allow police to better analyse and interpret intelligence and task operations to reduce crime.
Total crime increased by 10 per cent throughout Brimbank with 17,083 crimes recorded.
Drug offences and crime against property increased by 10.8 per cent while theft from vehicles increased by 10.9 per cent and there was a 12.7 per cent in vehicle thefts.
Assault rose by 9.1 per cent, with more than 50 per cent of the 1531 offences related to family violence, while robbery rose by 8.1 per cent.
Insp Shaughnessy said increasing numbers of police were arriving at Sunshine and Keilor Downs, and residents were growing more confident with the visible police presence.
Road injuries increased to 541 in 2011, and Insp Shaugnessy said road behaviour continued to be a concern.
“I am continually dismayed at the lack of courtesy shown by drivers toward each other, and the impatience and aggression displayed on our roads,” he said.
“We all have a responsibility toward our community.
“We ask residents to contact 000 and report any suspicious activities around their neighbourhood and take down details of any vehicles associated with such activities.”
