Crime war victory

By Nathan Johnston
CRIME rates in Springvale and Dandenong have been slashed by more than a third in the past five years.
Police statistics show reports of crime in Springvale have dropped from 2800 in 200001 to 1745 in 200405.
Crime rates have also dropped in Dandenong from 9207 offences in 200001 to 6244 in 200405.
Noble Park and Keysborough have also become gradually safer in the past five years.
Despite the dramatic improvements, Greater Dandenong still has a higher rate of serious crime per capita than the rest of the state.
Police Victoria released the statistics last week.
City of Greater Dandenong mayor Maria Sampey said the figures showed the municipality was moving in the right direction.
“I think it’s absolutely fantastic, and shows how important it is to have a strong police presence in the city.
“Police have worked very hard to reduce crime and make it safer for our residents.
“It helps the image of Greater Dandenong. There has been a certain perception of the city and sometimes it’s hard to get rid of those perceptions.
“The fact that there’s a lot happening around the city has also helped. It’s more vibrant, there’s more activity and more people about which acts as a deterrent.”
In the last 12 months, Greater Dandenong has seen a reduction in homicide, rape, sexual assaults, and kidnappings.
Crimes against property and drug offences have also been significantly reduced.
Detective Sergeant Peter Sterling from Springvale police said the decrease in crime had been recorded across a range of offences.
“The decrease comes as a direct result of proactive and reactive measures adopted by police in the Springvale crime response zone to combat crime across the board.
“The decrease can be attributed to the hard work done by Dandenong Crime Scene Officers, Springvale Uniform Members, Springvale Special Duties Officers, the Springvale Crime Investigation Unit and the members of the public.
“But we will not be resting on our laurels.”
Overall, Victoria Police has achieved a drop in crime rates for the fourth year in a row.
Police figures released yesterday show a 21.5 per cent decrease in reported crime since 200001.
Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon praised police and the community for their efforts to reduce crime.
“I am proud to announce these figures, which acknowledge the hard work Victoria’s police do every day and night,” Ms Nixon said.
“These results are a combination of dedication, innovation and about having a greater understanding about the needs of the community we serve.
“Police are smarter about the way they fight crime. We have established strong partnerships with the community and these have led to effective ways of increasing safety,” Ms Nixon said.