Violent crime surges

By Callan Date
CRIME against the person in the City of Casey is up by more than 70 per cent since 2000-01.
The Victoria Police figures, which include homicide, assault, sexual assault, rape and kidnapping crimes, were revealed by Opposition MPs last week.
South Eastern Metropolitan MP Gordon Rich-Phillips has slammed the State Government for its role in the escalating violence.
“This Labor government has to stop hiding behind Force Command on matters of police resources and take responsibility,” he said.
“They are quite happy to promise extra police resources for the area during election campaigns, then once elected say it is really up to Force Command where police are stationed.”
The 72.8 per cent increase in Casey is slightly less than the neighbouring Shire of Cardinia which had an alarming 81.3 per cent increase over the same period.
Figures from Greater Dandenong were more encouraging with a 43.6 per cent increase.
Casey Acting Police Inspector Bruce Kitchen said several factors – including a large population rise and the establishment of a dedicated Family Violence Unit in Cranbourne – contributed to the crime surge in Casey.
“We encourage that increase and accept that increase,” he said.
“About 60 per cent of the increase would be down to the family violence unit and population,” Act Insp Kitchen said.
He said the Casey Family Violence Unit, which was formed in June 2007, operated between 4pm and midnight every day.
The unit has been established to respond to any family violence incidents where an intervention order application is required.
Act Insp Kitchen said an ongoing weekend operation, dubbed Raptor, was also focusing on street violence in Casey.
But Mr Rich-Phillips said more front-line officers were needed.
The Liberal MP said last year’s decision to close the Endeavour Hills Police Station between 11pm and 7am every night made the situation even worse.
“This is the same government that went back on its promise to provide Endeavour Hills with a 24-hour police station, arguing it wasn’t needed,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“How are we honestly expected to believe that with such a huge increase in violent crime in the region that Endeavour Hills stands alone as a safe haven?”
Act Insp Kitchen defended the closure of the Endeavour Hills Police Station.
“By not having staff on at that time we have been able to use those extra staff into other areas,” Act Insp Kitchen said.
He said a police divisional van was still operating in the area.