Family violence stabilises

For the first time in recent years, the number of family violence incidents recorded in the latest crime statistics have begun to stabilise.

Figures released for Baw Baw police services area showed local family violence incidents reflected a statewide trend of more stable figures.

Across the board, crime statistics for Baw Baw increased just 2.6 per cent with 4002 offences in the past 12 months. Theft crimes made up more than half of the offences with 2438 incidents.

The Crime Statistics Agency figures analysed crime for the 12 month period ending March 31.

Baw Baw’s figures were stable compared to neighbouring municipalities with South Gippsland recording a 33 per cent increase and Latrobe a 6.7 per cent increase. Both Cardinia and Bass Coast police services areas recorded decreases of 11.8 and 16 per cent respectively.

One of the biggest movers was a 24 per cent decrease in drug offences. Crimes against the person were down 7.5 per cent with assaults down four per cent and sexual offences down 10 per cent.

However, property crimes continued to rise with a 19.6 per cent increase for the period.

The breakdown of figures for individual towns showed an 11.7 per cent decrease in crime in Drouin; 10.3 per cent increase in Warragul; and, 28.1 per cent increase in Trafalgar.

Baw Baw police services area inspector Chris Major said the number of reported family violence incidents was slowly starting to trend down.

He said this was largely due to police taking affirmative action in the first instance with intervention orders and charging offenders.

Mr Major said the rate of recidivism for repeat family violence offences in Baw Baw was very low compared to other areas across the state.

He said it was important for police to “get it right in the first instance” in helping to reduce family violence.

Property damage, theft and deception incidents were all up by 22.9 per cent, 27.7 per cent and 14.4 per cent respectively. Arson was down 27.9 per cent.

Mr Major said an historical crime where an employee was charged with numerous counts of stealing from a business had pushed theft statistics up.

He said thefts from cars was down considerably, as were commercial burglaries but residential burglaries had increased.

Baw Baw’s four per cent decrease in assaults was against a state trend that indicated a 7.9 per cent increase.

Mr Major said this was a pleasing result and largely due to the efforts of local programs and organisations such as the liquor accord amongst licensed premises and the Our Watch, Our Issue group.

He said these groups and police were working in conjunction with schools and sporting clubs in “putting out a message that violence of any form is unacceptable.”

Mr Major said while drug offences reflected decreased activity, he said the use of illicit substances was still a major concern for police.

He said drug use impacted on other criminal activity and it was having a dramatic impact on local families.

Mr Major urged anyone with an addiction to seek help through the ACSO Connect intake and referral service (1300 022760).