Robberies on rise

By Tania Martin
ROBBERIES have continued to rise in Knox, despite an overall crime reduction of 6.2 per cent.
The 2007-08 crime statistics released last week also showed Knox with a massive 81.8 per cent rise in robberies over the past 12 months.
The latest figures follow the leaking of official crime statistic several weeks ago which revealed robberies to be a big issue facing police.
Despite the increase in robberies, Knox police have seen a 21.3 per cent drop in residential burglaries.
Meanwhile in the neighbouring Shire of Yarra Ranges it’s a different story, with an 8.9 per cent drop in robberies, an overall drop in crime of 9.2 per cent, and an 11.1 per cent reduction in residential burglaries.
Yarra Ranges district Inspector Andrew Humberstone said the reduction in crime had come about through a combined effort between the local community and police.
Insp Humberstone said he anticipated further reductions over the next few months.
Region 4 Superintendent Andrew Crisp said the top priority for police at the moment was tackling street crimes such as robberies.
Supt Crisp said a lot of the crimes were opportunistic, involving young people both as victims and offenders.
Knox district Inspector Mick Beattie said police needed to focus on educating young people on the seriousness of committing a robbery.
Robbery is a very serious offence, and can carry a maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment.
Despite the hefty sentences, police are employing a zero tolerance policy for robberies and are warning thieves will face serious charges.
Police have vowed to continue to work on reducing robbery rates by interacting more with the community, and trying to educate young people on the risks associated with such an offence.
Insp Beattie said robbery was a big ticket item for Knox to be focusing on in the next 12 months.
He said it was vital to get the message across that a zero tolerance policy would be employed for such behaviour.