By CASEY NEILL
VEHICLE thefts and assaults remain a major concern for Greater Dandenong police – and they need help from the public to tackle them.
Victoria Police last week released crime statistics for the past financial year.
They showed total crime rose 2.3 per cent in the Greater Dandenong Police Service Area (PSA) compared to the previous financial year. This was below the 5.7 per cent rise statewide.
Drug offences were up 11.4 per cent, robbery was down 13.8 per cent and residential burglary dropped 22.2 per cent.
But thefts from motor vehicles rose 13.4 per cent and theft of motor vehicles climbed 24.9 per cent.
Inspector Bruce Kitchen said the result was a major concern and police needed help from the community.
“The majority of these thefts are occurring in residential areas where vehicles are left unlocked with valuables being in full view of criminals – making it easy for them to steal,” he said.
“Further, numerous number plates are being stolen. One-way screws are available through a number of locations, so please obtain them and affix them to your car.”
Chief Commissioner Ken Lay said there was a statewide 9.2 per cent rise in motor vehicle thefts.
“While many cars are still being stolen by joyriders, we’re seeing an increase in the numbers of cars that we aren’t finding,” he said.
“We suspect these vehicles are being taken by criminal groups to make money by selling them to scrap metal yards.”
Insp Kitchen said assaults in Greater Dandenong were up 5.8 per cent overall, and assaults excluding family violence rose 5.6 per cent.
“An analysis of our statistics has shown that with the majority of these assaults, both the offender and victim are known to each other,” he said.
“We will work with residential care facilities and accommodation houses to make the community safer.”
He said the Greater Dandenong family violence unit continued to have a significant impact on recidivist offenders and the referral process.
“It is our view that these strategies will help break the cycle of violence and make the family home safer,” he said.
“Greater Dandenong is one of few PSAs that continues to see a reduction in family violence reports over a 12-month period.”
On the roads, total injuries were down 12.1 per cent. Insp Kitchen said operations to remove drug and alcohol affected or unlicensed drivers from the roads would continue.
“Hoon activity is still evident within our area and we appreciate the community reporting this illegal behaviour to police,” he said.
He encouraged everyone who lived or worked in Greater Dandenong to be vigilant and call local police or triple zero to report crime.
“You are our eyes and ears and we need your help to make the City of Greater Dandenong a safer place,” he said.
