Crims hit affluent suburbs hard

“A great number of people in the community know who our offenders are and if you’re sick of it ... tell us.”

CRIME rates in the Geelong’s most affulent suburbs are rising to the same levels as those in the north, with the number of burglaries and thefts in Newtown and East Geelong increasing.

Police are urging residents to do what they can to limit their likelihood of becoming victims of crime, on the back of statistics showing 51 per cent of theft from cars occurred from unlocked vehicles.

New data released from the Crime Statistics Agency shows Geelong West saw crime skyrocket with 999 theft offences recorded in the year to June 2016 compared to only 186 during the previous 12 months.

Burglaries in the suburb also increased 109.6 per cent.

Cases of burglaries in East Geelong saw the largest percentage rise, up 166.7 per cent with 112 reports, alongside Hamlyn Heights up 165.5 per cent with 77 reports.

On the Bellarine Penin- sula, burglaries in Barwon Heads surged 89.3 per cent.

To the north of the city Corio topped the list for the highest number of reported crimes with a 47.6 per cent rise in property damage, 42.5 per cent rise in theft and 55 per cent rise in drug use and possession offences.

Superintendent Craig Gillard urged the community to work with police in bringing down the crime rate.

He said the solution required a joint effort.

“We need the community to help assist us in preventing crime so keep an eye out for each other and report suspicious behaviour to 000 or Crime Stoppers.

“A great number of people in the community know who our offenders are and if you’re sick of it and you know something tell us.”

Supt Gillard said residents should ensure homes and cars were locked and consider installing deadlocks, window locks and even CCTV.