Crime’s up … and down

By Casey Neill
CRIME is on the rise in Cockatoo, according to figures released by the Opposition earlier this month.
However, Cardinia Police Service District Inspector Wayne Viney says Cardinia is safer today than it was a year ago.
The Opposition’s crime prevention spokesman Andrew McIntosh said statistics obtained under Freedom of Information showed crime in the Gembrook electorate had increased dramatically from 2004/05 to 2008/09.
Total crimes in Cockatoo/Nangana rose from 150 to 304 during the five year period – a 102.7 per cent jump.
Crimes against property almost doubled, from 111 to 220, and crimes against the person increased by 285.7 per cent.
Mr McIntosh said Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato had abandoned residents because “she has not fought for increased police presence in her electorate”.
“Not once has Ms Lobato raised it as a concern,” he said.
Ms Lobato said Mr McIntosh’s allegations were “almost too ludicrous to warrant response”.
“Further, by relying on outdated figures, the Opposition demonstrates its total incompetence and is treating the electorate with contempt,” she said.
Ms Lobato said new figures available showed a reduction in crime.
“What does the Opposition do but release old figures that better suit its flawed argument, in a desperate attempt to prop up its flagging popularity,” she said.
“The current crime statistics show that in Cardinia, crime is down, including assaults.”
Ms Lobato said this was “a terrific result and a credit to our local police officers who are out in the community every day, showing a visible police presence”.
Liberal Gembrook candidate Brad Battin said he had received many emails about crime in the north end of the Gembrook electorate.
“The Victoria Police do a great job in the area considering they do not have the staff required,” he said.
“Areas like Cockatoo and Nangana speak very loud about the lack of police presence in their area.”
Cardinia Police Service Area Inspector Wayne Viney did not comment on the statistics because “I do not know where they have come from and exactly what they represent as there is not sufficient information within the tables to analyse what they actually mean.”
“What I will say is that we are focusing on all issues across the Cardinia Police Service Area,” he added.
“When we identify any increases, issues or trends, we assess the cause of the increase and will redirect the required resources to that issue.”
Mr Viney said there had been significant decreases in crime over the past 12 months.
He said assaults were down 9.6 per cent, robbery had dropped by 37.4 per cent, property damage was down 15 per cent, theft from cars had decreased 20 per cent and thefts of cars had dropped 10 per cent.
“Cardinia is clearly a safer place than it was 12 months ago,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we will often see spikes in crime in areas from time to time.
“Our focus is on minimising those spikes and addressing the issues using the resources available to us as quickly as possible.”
Mr Viney said he and his team continue to strive to do better each year.
“The reduction in crime suggests the staff we have and the way we are using them is having an impact,” he said.