By LIA SPENCER
CRIME in Casey is dropping drastically, according to statistics released by Victoria Police last week.
The statistics compare the 12 months to March 2013 with the previous 12 months.
In Casey, robbery has decreased by 19.3 per cent, theft of vehicles has dropped almost 12 per cent and residential burglaries come down by 3.6 per cent.
Casey inspector Wayne Viney said the results were excellent and credited local police for their efforts.
“I am pleased to say that we have achieved excellent results and reductions in almost all crime and road safety categories when compared to rates per 100,000 head of population,” Insp Viney said.
“Our strong focus on targeting known recidivist offenders and providing a strong police presence in identified high risk community locations appears to be hitting the mark.”
While many of the crime categories have decreased, drug offences have increased by 10.5 per cent and assault has risen 1.9 per cent.
Insp Viney said Casey police have implemented numerous strategies with community partners in an attempt to reduce youth offending and to improve the level of safety in the community . The police have started the Access Rugby Employment Program and Casey Eyewatch Facebook page.
They are also working with the Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong councils on the Challenge Family Violence Project, which Insp Viney said would involve partnering with influential male community leaders from various settings to raise awareness and provide leadership to change harmful attitudes and behaviours towards women.
“Community leaders will be trained and supported by mentors to change attitudes towards the acceptance of family violence within our community,” he said.
“As I have said before in many forums, there is no difference between an assault of a woman or child that occurs in the street to an assault that occurs in the home. It is time that everyone in our community took a stand against family violence, projects such as this is the first step in changing cultural attitudes.”
Insp Viney said initiatives such as Licensed Premises barring programs were also examples of how police were working with stakeholders in an effort to reduce crime and road trauma. There has been no change in the percentage of fatalities on Casey roads, but Insp Viney urged people to be careful when driving.
“This project Winter and the Queen’s Birthday long weekend are fast approaching. This is a timely reminder for all drivers to change their driving habits to suit the conditions,” he said.
“On wet roads, all drivers, no matter how good a driver you think you are, need to slow down and leave more distance between you and the car in front of you.”
Across Victoria, the overall recorded crime has increased by 3.8 per cent. Crime against the person has increased by 7.4 per cent and robbery is down 14.3 per cent. Drug offences have increased by 12.7 per cent and other crimes, which include justice procedures, weapons/explosives and behaviour in public offences, have increased by 18.7 per cent.
Deputy Commissioner Lucinda Nolan said family violence-related crime continued to drive up the overall statistics.
