By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
A POLICE public-order blitz is being credited for a reduction in robberies and assaults in public places in Greater Dandenong.
In crime statistics released this morning, public robberies were down 29 per cent and assaults, excluding family violence, down 16.9 per cent in July 2011-June 2012 compared to the previous 12 months.
But total crime was up by 4.8 per cent in the same period.
Among the crimes on the rise were drug offences (11.7 per cent), burglaries (2.7 per cent), theft of motor vehicles (10.6 per cent) and theft from motor vehicles (8.1 per cent).
Inspector Bruce Kitchen, who oversees the Greater Dandenong police service area, said Operation Safe Suburbs had made a ‘‘significant impact’’ on public order.
He said there were plans to increase the tasking unit’s capacity in late October to increase police patrols at licensed premises, shopping centres, parks and railway stations.
The introduction of protective services officers at Dandenong and Noble Park railway station would make both stations much safer, he said.
Inspector Kitchen was concerned by a rise in road injuries, up by 13.2 per cent.
‘‘We will continue to conduct booze/drug buses and automatic numberplate recognition operations around Greater Dandenong.
‘‘This strategy is to keep drug and alcohol affected or unlicensed drivers off our roads to help ensure that everyone gets home safely.’’
