Drugs trigger crime

From p1 While statistics suggest declining offences, the impact is seen in other areas of crime, with det sgt Hynd saying a large number of crimes including petrol drive-offs and thefts of registration plates were drug driven.

These “minor” thefts and thefts from cars are where statistics are increasing.

But, more of a concern said det sgt Hynd is the impact of drug use on more serious crimes including pursuits, robberies, assaults and drug trafficking.

Det sgt Hynd said there was no longer a specialised operation focussed on drug activity in Baw Baw.

He said local police now assist a divisional tasking unit and other specialised police operations.

He said specialised units depended on the allocation of resources.

But, det sgt Hynd admitted, when the special operations team worked within Baw Baw, volume crime offences “nose dived.”

He said there was a link between a decline in targeted operations, decline in drug search warrants and a decline in arrests, which was therefore a decline in statistics.

“We are targeting the various crime offences in various ways.

“Obviously performing the traditional role through investigation of reported crime, but we are also targeting recidivist offenders through Priority Target Management Plans where the focus is on the individuals who are causing the majority of the problems.

He said PTMP was enforcement where they are disengaged, and through various forms of referrals, they are willing to engage through drug and alcohol counselling, mental health support and other services.

Det sgt Hynd urged the community to play a role and assist in addressing drug crimes.

He said it was important community members take a stand.

“If you know someone who is addicted and involved in crime, do something about it early because as time goes on it predominately gets worse until it reaches a critical point where people get hurt.

“CrimeStoppers, local police, doctors, counsellors – anything and everything, but don’t do nothing,” he said.