A POLICE blitz on illegal weapons and anti-social behaviour is behind a dramatic spike in crime figures in Cardinia Shire.
The latest crime statistics released by Victoria Police show a 103 per cent increase in the number of detected ‘other crimes’ between 1 October 2012 and 30 September 2013, compared to the previous year.
The offences were described by Cardinia Police Service Area commander Inspector Rob Wallace as ‘possession of illegal weapons, anti-social behaviour and similar types of criminal offending’.
“The increase in the other crime category is largely due to increased policing activities and the detection of criminal offending,” he said.
“In simple terms, local police have directly detected, intercepted and charged hundreds of extra offenders.”
The statistics also showed a significant increase in property damage (14.5 per cent) but Insp Wallace said theft from cars showing a 25.8 per cent increase was concerning.
“Property damage offences cover a wide range of property types however damage to vehicles has been detected of late,” he said.
“Many of these offences where vehicles are being damaged and stolen are occurring in residential areas and are opportunistic.”
Insp Wallace said it was important for residents to lock vehicles, remove valuable items from their cars and move it onto a garage or their property at night.
“If you leave your car or vehicle unlocked with things like cash, wallets, GPS and other personal items inside you are inviting them to be stolen,” he said.
“There are strategies in place for police in Cardinia to help drive down these types of crime and we are seeing many successful operations and investigations where offenders are charged.”
The number of fatalities and people injured on the roads has also dropped significantly compared to the previous year.
Victoria Police recorded 12 fatalities on the roads in the 2011-12 financial year compared to five fatalities for the same period this year.
“A 5.3 per cent reduction in the number of people injured on our roads this quarter is a pleasing result (based on rates per 100,000 population).
“Recent wet weather has made driving conditions more difficult for drivers, so the reduction is a credit to those using our roads and our team of Highway Patrol officers,” Insp Wallace said.
“There is a continued focus on making our roads safer which will continue during the upcoming festive and holiday season.
“All drivers need to heed police warnings around drink driving, speed and the use of mobile phones whilst driving.”
Insp Wallace also reminded residents to call triple zero or Crime Stoppers on 1300 888 000 if they see anything suspicious.
“It is important that the Cardinia community take some responsibility in helping to make Cardinia a safer place to live and work,” he said.
“Remember, if you see something, say something.”
