By CASEY NEILL
The number of crimes recorded in Greater Dandenong jumped 26.7 per cent in 12 months, latest statistics show.
The jump was 34.6 per cent for the Dandenong and Dandenong North area, and 30.6 per cent in Springvale South.
The Crime Statistics Agency released figures for the year ending 31 March on Thursday 16 June, contrasting the results with the previous 12 months.
There were 12.4 per cent more offences across the state, the figures showed, and neighbouring Cardinia recorded a 35 per cent rise.
Greater Dandenong Local Area Commander Inspector Sean Murray said residents shouldn’t be concerned.
“Increases in some crime stats can reflect an increased effort by police resulting in more arrests and charges,” he said.
“We do acknowledge the increased crime and are always looking to improve.
“These statistics help us to measure the effectiveness of tactics and operations.
“We use the stats and other intelligence sources to work out where to direct our patrols and investigative teams.”
Insp Murray said a good example was the Greater Dandenong Response and Tasking Unit’s efforts over the past 12 months.
“Their focus on street crime and public order has had a significant positive impact on the amenity of the Dandenong CBD,” he said.
In Greater Dandenong, property deception offences and theft increased 53.4 per cent compared to the state-wide 13.5 per cent rise.
“Dandenong is probably reflective of what we’re seeing more broadly with these stats,” Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp said.
“We have seen increases in relation to theft of, theft from motor vehicles and justice procedures.
“We don’t shy away from the fact there is a significant crime issue for us to deal with in Dandenong.
“That’s one of the reasons that Taskforce Tense was established late last year and the police in that area are working very, very hard to tackle what is a challenge.”
Tense was tasked with tackling Apex gang-driven aggravated burglary and car thefts.
“These people don’t have a club house, they’re not wearing colours,” he said.
“What we’re seeing is that through social media and other means there’s this ‘network defending’.
“We’re seeing groups involved in committing more crime.”
Greater Dandenong also saw a significant increase in justice procedures (81 per cent) but this was only marginally higher than the state-wide 64.3 per cent increase.
Family violence incidents rose 10.2 per cent across the state and 5.9 per cent in Greater Dandenong.
