By Jamie Salter
The latest Crime Statistic Agency data shows a 17.5 per cent decrease in crime within the Casey area for the year ended September 2021.
The most common crime recorded was theft from a motor vehicle, with the majority of incidents occurring at home.
Cranbourne recorded 1,953 incidents, followed by Berwick with 1,663 and Narre Warren at 1,556 incidents.
No charges were laid for 20.7 per cent of incidents, charges were laid for 31.6 per cent of incidents and 47.8 per cent of incidents remain unsolved.
“Casey police are pleased to see the overall reduction of crime in the local area and as we move into the festive season and the New Year, police will be doing everything in their power to keep the crime rate low and community safe,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
Police said there were a number of preventative measures people could take to ensure they do not become victim of motor vehicle theft as the community returns to a sense of normality.
These include parking vehicles in a secure area, ensuring the vehicle is locked at all times and keeping keys in an non-accessible location when at home.
Victoria as a whole has recorded a decrease of 10 per cent or 55,128 offences from the previous year.
Burglaries decreased by almost 5,000 offences to their lowest levels in 10 years and robberies also recorded a 10-year low, dropping to almost 900 offences.
Victoria Police deputy commissioner regional operations Rick Nugent said he was pleased by the overall reduction in crime over the past year.
“While we know that Covid-19 restrictions have contributed to the decrease, the result remains a positive outcome for the Victorian community,” he said.
“We are particularly encouraged by the reduced number of burglaries, robberies and thefts, offences that can be very distressing for victims.
“As we move into the festive season and head into the new year, every Victoria Police officer will be doing everything in their power to keep the crime rate low and community safe.”
Police also reminded all community members to be patient and take care on Victorian roads.
“Everyone deserves to celebrate this holiday season with their friends, families and loved ones, we all have a role to play when it comes to road safety.”
