Assault rates rise

ASSAULT related offences are up in the City of Casey with a 20 per cent increase in reported incidents over the past year.
More than 1350 assaults were reported to police. Drug and graffiti related offences have also risen noticeably.
The results come after Victoria Police officially released Casey’s latest crime figures last week.
On a brighter note theft and burglary offences have dropped over the past year.
Theft from motor vehicle has dropped by 13.2 per cent, theft shop steal by 2 per cent, theft of motor vehicle by 10.6 per cent, residential burglary by 5.1 per cent and burglary (other) by 2.9 per cent.
Aggravated burglary increased by 28.7 per cent, with 13 more incidents reported last year when compared to 2005-06.
Theft of bicycle also increased by 21.4 per cent last year in Casey, with police encouraging people to be more vigilant and better protect their bicycles.
Contributing to the higher rate of crime has been the development of the Casey Response Unit in October last year (see story this page).
Inspector Ross said assault figures rose by 17.2 per cent in 2006/07 and a majority of this increase could be attributed to an increased public awareness and reporting of family violence incidents.
With the introduction of a new dedicated family violence unit in Casey in June, Inspector Ross said there had already been a notable decrease in repeat incidences and partnerships between police and referral agencies had greatly improved with better work practices being developed.
“The establishment of the dedicated family violence unit has resulted in an initial increase in the reported offences arising form family violence incidents, however this increase should stabilise as the unit gains further momentum and expertise in reducing repeat incidents,” Inspector Ross said.
A strong focus on public order offences and under age drinking has also seen regulated public order offences increase by 108.8 per cent.
Inspector Ross said as Casey’s population continued to grow police would continue to develop new ways to reduce and prevent crime.
“One must also consider that the City of Casey is one of Victoria’s fastest growing municipalities with up to 50 families moving in each week,” Inspector Ross said.
“With the additional resources we have received in recent years we are now able to focus more heavily on our local policing priorities, and we will continue to do so in the coming year.”