Crime continuing to fall

By Casey Neill
Overall crime decreased by 4.5 per cent during the 12 months from July last year to June this year, compared with the previous year.
This followed a 14.7 per cent drop from April last year to March this year.
Cardinia Inspector Chris Major said community support was largely responsible for drops in crime in most areas.
Assault, residential burglary, and thefts of and from motor vehicles were all down, but commercial burglaries and damage to property increased.
“It is essential that any suspicious activity be reported to police in the first instance to assist police with addressing these crimes,” Insp Major said.
Drug offences jumped 49.5 per cent.
“Which is due to our increased efforts in identifying, investigating and charging those offenders who use and/or sell drugs within our community,” Insp Major said.
“We have dedicated resources to this issue and will continue to work hard, particularly with young people, on reducing the impact of drugs within our community.”
Insp Major said road safety was a major focus for his officers, following an increase in road deaths and injuries.
“We continue to conduct police operations that have an emphasis on safe driving practices and reinforcing the need for drivers and cyclists to maintain their vehicles in a roadworthy condition,” he said.