Bandits on notice

By Nicole Williams
DANDENONG Police will focus on robberies in the coming year, with statistics showing robberies are on the rise.
Inspector Charles Allen said that overall crime in the area was falling but robberies would be a priority.
“We are pleased to report an overall reduction in crime for the Greater City of Dandenong, including a significant reduction in all crimes against property,” Insp Allen said.
“Robbery and street assaults are of great concern to police and our division has established an Embona Taskforce which solely investigates all forms of robbery offences,” he said.
“This has increased the detection rate for robberies and will assist in curbing robbery offenders.”
The Victoria Police figures showed 184 robbery offences were recorded in the year to June 2011, compared to 161 the previous year, a 14 per cent increase.
Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit and the Embona Taskforce have conducted two known operations in recent months, targeting robberies and burglaries.
Operation Poulard resulted in the arrests of 14 people for burglary offences and the recovery of $150,000 worth of stolen goods in August.
The offenders were also charged with a range of weapons and drug offences.
In July, Operation Townhouse made two arrests, with links to over 30 burglaries.
One woman was re-arrested in August and charged with a further five burglaries as well as other drug offences.
The statistics also showed a rise of close to 18 per cent in assault offences recorded but a fall in motor vehicle related thefts.
“To minimise the risk of theft and burglary, we continue to encourage property owners to update their security,” Insp Allen said.