Call for more police as crime increases

Increased assaults, burglaries, thefts and drug offences have contributed to an overall 11.3 per cent increase in crime in the Baw Baw police services area for the past 12 months.

Latest crime figures were released last week by the Crime Statistics Agency for the 12 month period ending December 2016.

The crime increase has prompted a call from Membor for Narracan Gary Blackwood for more police resources.

Total number of offences for Baw Baw for the 12 month period was 4118, up 11.3 per cent on the previous 12 month period.

The increase was above the state average of 10.2 per cent.

Despite a 7.7 per cent increase in assaults, Baw Baw psa inspector Chris Major said crime against the person had trended down by 7.2 per cent.

This drop was attributed to a 23.7 per cent decrease in sexual offences, 14.3 per cent decrease in robberies and 22.7 per cent decrease in stalking and harassment.

However, Mr Major said property crime had increased.

Figures show overall property crime increased 26.4 per cent; largely represented by increases in property damage (27.7 per cent), burglary (22.7 per cent) and theft (29.7 per cent).

Mr Major said thefts of cars, property damage and “theft other” had driven up property crimes. He said one investigation that fell under the “theft other” category uncovered a considerable amount of historic crimes of theft committed against a company by an employee that spiked those figures by about 100 incidents.

Mr Major said theft of car also included thefts of farm vehicles and motor cycles.

In property damage, Mr Major said an increase in graffiti in the shire had pushed up damage figures.

Overall, drug offences have increased 8.8 per cent which was driven up by a 13.3 per cent increase in cultivating and manufacturing drugs and a 20.2 per cent increase in drug use and possession. However the number of drug dealing and trafficking offences decreased 24.4 per cent.

Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood said the crime data proved the state government’s soft approach on crime had failed and it was time for the government to outline a plan to curb rising criminal activity in our region.

“Our regional police do an outstanding job with the limited resources they receive and it is time Daniel Andrews backed their work with the investment they need to tackle this issue.

“Population in our electorate is exploding and if left unchecked these crime rates will only continue to grow.

“We have seen no plan from Daniel Andrews and Labor to address this major issue and the time has come for this government to stand up against criminal activity and help protect local communities and the families that live in them,” Mr Blackwood said.

Mr Major said the Baw Baw psa would “welcome” additional resources to increase policing levels across the district.