By ANEEKA SIMONIS
BURGLARY, break and enter and property damage offences recorded in Cardinia Shire are at a five-year low, according to recently released crime statistics.
Despite the shire’s fast-growing population, property and deception offences recorded in the past 12 months are lower than those recorded five years ago.
From April 2014 until March 2015, police recorded 494 burglary and break and enter offences – 17 per cent lower than that recorded between April 2010 and March 2011.
Property damaged offences also took a downward turn, with 557 offences recorded this year, compared with 609 five years earlier – a 9 per cent reduction.
Within the five-year period, around 14, 500 more residents have moved into shire.
Police described the figures as encouraging, suggesting more residents are taking better responsibility of their valuables.
“It is a community issue, and it seems people are taking greater care of their possessions and property,” Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd said.
Police have previously told the Gazette opportunistic criminals have taken advantage of Cardinia Shire’s previously quiet, openly trusting country towns where a car or home could remain unlocked without threat.
But is seems now residents are moving with the times by locking up to avoid criminals targeting in the new urban and increasingly populated environment.
“All the hard work gets done by the community who are taking more care,” Sen Sgt Prowd said.
Overall crime recorded in Cardinia Shire decreased by 7.4 per cent in the past 12 months.
Of the crime categories, it appears property damage and deceptions incidents took the greatest dip – with property damage offences down 27 per cent and burglary and break and enter offences down 21 per cent this year compared with last.
Arson, theft and deception charges also decreased during the 12-month period.
