Police family focus

By Lia Bichel
POLICE have vowed to tackle the high rate of family violence and other increasing crime in the City of Casey.
According to recent statistics released by Victoria Police, the total amount of crime in the City of Casey from October 2010 to September 2011 has increased 15 per cent from the year prior.
Drug offences have increased 35.4 per cent, assault has risen by 8.7 per cent and crime against the person has increased 6 per cent.
Inspector Viney said a new family violence policy was launched by Chief Commissioner Ken Lay on 25 November based on a practice already used by Casey which aims to tackle the rising reports of family violence
He said there was a specific family violence unit dedicated to responding to family violence and “drilling down” on the issue.
“Casey has the highest incident of family violence in the state,” he said.
Despite the rise in assaults and drug offences, robbery, property damage and burglaries have all decreased.
Inspector Wayne Viney said robberies had decreased due to Operation Safe Suburbs, which was implemented and developed to focus on making streets of Casey a safer place.
He said through the operation, there would be a strong police presence at shopping centres, railway stations, licensed premises and any other public places where safety was a concern.
“At any time on any given day we can have up to 30 or 40 extra members focusing on street assaults in public places,” he said.
Inspector Viney said that police would also be flooding the streets during the Christmas holidays and said police would not tolerate people found drunk in a public place or behaving in an offensive manner.
“Christmas is fast approaching as is the warmer weather. This will mean more social functions and an increase in alcohol consumption across Casey,” Inspector Viney said.
“While I encourage everyone to have a good time it is important that people take responsibility for their own actions and behave in an appropriate manner.
“Finally, it is important that people take care on our roads. Stay alert, stay within the speed limit, stay under the alcohol limit and stay safe.”