Crime down

CRIME in Casey has dropped, but the region’s top cop said police would continue their drive to make the area safer.
Inspector Andrew Miles said he was pleased to see a reduction of crime over the last quarter compared with the previous year but said police would maintain their attempts to reduce the number of assaults occurring in public places, specifically around and in the immediate vicinity of public transport locations.
According to recent crime statistics released by Victoria Police, the total crime in the City of Casey has decreased 2.4 per cent, with rates per 100,000 population. Most significantly, burglaries have decreased 20 per cent and thefts of cars have decreased about 13 per cent.
Insp Miles said the decrease of the amount of theft from cars and theft of cars are due to police’s pro-active approach.
“(This is) primarily due to pro-active patrolling by uniform members and a number of targeted investigations conducted by the Casey Criminal Investigation Unit,” Insp Miles said.
“While we are pleased with the reduction in theft from motor car offences, we continue to see a significant number of people becoming victims because their valuables were clearly visible within the vehicle or their vehicle was unlocked.”
While crime in many areas has decreased, assaults, excluding family violence, have increased about 15 per cent and crimes against people have increased 7.4 per cent.
“Police are disappointed in the number of assault offences, (but) we are pleased the community are reporting these offences for police investigation,” Insp Miles said.
“This increased reporting, combined with our continued focus on family violence, will assist to reduce the number of assaults committed within our community.”
Robberies have decreased over the last 12 months, which Insp Miles said was largely attributed to successful targeted investigations resulting in the arrest of a significant number of repeat offenders.
The amount of serious injury collisions have dropped, but Insp Miles said police would continue to focus on driver behaviour that contributes to road trauma, and he urged drivers to remain alert while driving.
Insp Miles said he urged people to help police in their clampdown on crime by reporting suspicious behaviour or activity to the police, ensuring valuables in vehicles were either removed or not visible, park cars off the street where possible, and participate in the recently established City of Casey Neighbourhood Watch.