Calls help reduce crime

By Tania Martin
CRIME across the region has dropped despite Knox and Yarra Ranges seeing a jump in abductions, kidnappings and theft from motor vehicles.
Police figures released last week showed there were six more abductions in Knox than last year and two more in Yarra Ranges.
But District Inspector Andrew Humberstone said this was not a concern.
He said it just meant that more criminals were being caught and charged.
“That just adds to the overall crime figures,” Insp Humberstone said.
In Knox aggravated burglaries were down 15.6 per cent, while the Yarra Ranges saw a stark jump from eight to 18 or a 125 per cent increase.
Although the overall crime figures showed a decrease, theft from motor vehicles remained the top offence in Knox and Yarra Ranges.
Yarra Ranges recorded a 34 per cent increase and Knox a 10 per cent jump.
Insp Humberstone has again warned people against leaving their cars unlocked. He said leaving a car unlocked was an offence and warned that motorists who didn’t lock up their cars could be given a fine.
Insp Humberstone has attributed the reduction in crime to the ongoing help of the community.
He said without people calling in to report incidents or contacting Crime Stoppers, offenders would go unpunished.
Insp Humberstone said police would continue to work with the local community.
Monbulk MP James Merlino said the reduction was a testament to the hard work of local police who continued to make the area safe.
This also comes as the State Government announced an extra 120 police officers, targeting anti-social behaviour hotspots across the state.
“Police will now have more capabilities to send a specialist squad of trained officers into any trouble area at any time, to restore public order and keep the community and streets safe,” Mr Merlino said.