Crime still a concern

By Callan Date
CRIME in the City of Casey reduced slightly last financial year but still remains at a concerning level for police and local residents.
More than 12,000 incidents of crime were reported to police during the 12 months to July this year, with the total figure 140 less than what was recorded during 2004-05.
According to official crime statistics released by Victoria Police, 1569 crimes were recorded in the suburb of Berwick and 787 reported in the boundaries of Hallam.
Narre Warren Police were kept busy with 2226 incidents reported in the area with neighbouring suburbs Narre Warren North and East having a total of 704 crimes listed.
Endeavour Hills had 1224 crimes occur within the suburb and Doveton had 689 incidents reported during 05-06.
Assistant Commissioner Paul Evans said additional police had been posted at several locations, including Endeavour Hills to cater for the population increase throughout Casey.
“Over the next 12 months we will be introducing a special burglary taskforce to concentrate on burglaries in the region and we will be conducting specific operations looking at industrial crimes,” Mr Evans said.
He said police would be introducing several initiatives to assist in the reduction of crime and would also look at ways to stop the increasing number of petrol drive-offs in the area.