Assaults lead crime figures

By Lia Bichel
CRIME is on the rise in Greater Dandenong according to recent statistics, but Dandenong Inspectors said police continued to work hard to find the root of the problems.
The crime rate for Greater Dandenong to October 2009 rose six per cent over the previous year, according to statistics recently released by Victoria Police.
Inspectors Charlie Allen and Caroline West insisted Greater Dandenong police were working hard to tackle issues by identifying and addressing the cause of problems in the area.
They said the approach has contributed to reductions in serious injury collisions, theft of and from cars, commercial burglaries and robberies.
According to the statistics serious injury collisions have plummeted 20.9 per cent, theft of and theft from cars has decreased a total of 27.2 per cent, and commercial burglaries and robberies have dropped a total of about 17 per cent.
However, the duo admitted public order offending was a concern for Greater Dandenong police as assaults had increased almost 24 per cent and property damage had increased almost nine per cent.
They said the rise in assaults was partly attributed to the increased confidence in reporting of domestic and street assaults.
Police have been carrying out a number of operations to tackle crime, such as Safe Streets and Safe Stations which targets anti-social behaviour in and around transport hubs.
They recently carried out Operation OMNI in the Noble Park area to target drinking in public places and on 18 December, will launch Operation Aegis in an effort to reduce road trauma.
Police are also hoping an Assertive Outreach Worker project will curb unruly public drinking of alcohol.
These problem solving approaches rely on partnerships with the community, the City of Greater Dandenong, Vic Urban, South Eastern Migrant Resources Centre and other service providers.