Robberies are up

By Bridget Cook
RECENT crime statistics have revealed that Greater Dandenong had one of the highest increases in robberies in the past 12 months across the state.
Victoria Police statistics released last week showed that there were 22 more robberies, a 15.4per cent increase, in the past 12 months compared to the previous 12 months – the third highest increase in the state.
But while the amount of robberies had increased, overall crime in Greater Dandenong dropped by 10.3 per cent.
While burglaries on homes in the area dropped, those on commercial premises rose by 4.3 per cent.
Dandenong police service area Inspector Chris Major said this was becoming a worrying factor.
“We encourage property owners to update their security and contact the Region’s Crime Prevention Officer at Dandenong police station to conduct a security audit on their premises,” he said.
Although there has been an increase in assaults in the area, by 7.8 per cent, Insp Major said their increased presence was having an effect on other street related crime.
“Public order policing operations have been a priority for Greater Dandenong with regular operations such as Safe Stations and Guardian,” he said.
“These operations have concentrated on providing early police intervention and a police presence around the transit hubs, central activity districts and public parks.
“It is very pleasing to see that these operations have assisted in impacting and reducing street assaults and street robberies.”
The figures revealed that there was also a 16.3 per cent increase in drug offences.
Property damage, thefts of motor vehicles and thefts from motor vehicles all dropped in the area.