Crime up, robbery down

OVERALL crime has jumped almost five per cent in Greater Dandenong, but robberies and assaults have dropped significantly.
Greater Dandenong Police Service Area (PSA) Inspector Bruce Kitchen said his team had continued to reduce public order issues and assaults and robberies in public places through the Operation Safe Suburbs unit.
“Its impact has been evident with resources tripling,” he said.
“This increase will enhance our capacity in the warmer months to provide police presence in and around licensed premises, shopping centres, parks and railway stations.”
Overall assaults were down 1.3 per cent during October last year to September this year, compared to the previous 12 months.
Assault excluding family violence dropped 11.5 per cent, from 1116 cases to 988, and property damage was down 1.8 per cent.
“The Greater Dandenong Family Violence Unit continues to have a significant impact on recidivist offenders and a vast improvement on our referrals and reporting,” Insp Kitchen said.
“It is our view that these strategies will help break the cycle of family violence and make the family home safer.”
Robbery saw a drop of almost 30 per cent, from 196 cases to 139. But Insp Kitchen said burglary and theft of and from motor cars within Greater Dandenong was a concern.
There were 66 fewer residential burglaries, but 28 more burglaries at other premises. Theft from motor vehicles increased by 14.9 per cent and theft of motor vehicles was up 9 per cent.
“I ask that owners consider keeping valuables out of sight and use anti-theft strategies such as alarms and CCTV for example,” he said.
Insp Kitchen said road safety remained a major focus for Greater Dandenong members and an increase in injuries was a concern.
There were two extra road fatalities during July 2011 to June 2012 compared to the previous 12 months, and a 25.4 per cent increase in injuries.
“We will continue to conduct booze/drug buses and automatic number plate recognition operations around Greater Dandenong,” he said.
“This strategy is to keep drug and alcohol-affected or unlicensed drivers off our roads to help ensure that everyone gets home safely.”
Insp Kitchen said offences at Dandenong railway station had dropped thanks to Protective Services Officers (PSOs).
“I would expect the same results at Noble Park in the future,” he said.
“Springvale railway station PSOs are expected to be deployed in early 2013. The additional resources will make railway stations much safer.”
Insp Kitchen said community engagement was essential for dealing with youth issues and his officers would partner with other government agencies and community groups to identify short term and long term strategies for fixing problems.
“Local police continue to support a number of youth leadership development programs, cultural-specific spaces for Sudanese and Pacific Islander young people, the Greater Dandenong Blue Light Boxing Club, the L to P Project and other inclusion activities and programs,” Insp Kitchen said.
He also encouraged all community members to be vigilant and report any suspicious people or vehicles or groups causing trouble to local police.
“You are our eyes and ears and we need your help to make the City of Greater Dandenong a safer place,” he said.