Lock those cars

By Tania Martin
POLICE have again called for Yarra Ranges residents to lock up their cars and homes, following a jump in burglaries and thefts from cars.
Despite receiving a relatively good report card following the release of quarterly crime statistics last week, the region still has a problem with thefts.
Overall crime was down by 0.4 per cent across the region but it wasn’t all good news.
Crimes against the person were up by more than 16.4 per cent and there was also a massive 18.4 per cent hike in drug offences.
Robberies were down by 28.9 per cent, along with property damage which dropped by 16.9 per cent.
However, residential burglaries rose by 13.2 per cent and theft from motor vehicles increased by 10.3 per cent.
Violent crimes including assaults also jumped by more than 13.7 per cent.
Yarra Ranges’ District Inspector Andrew Humberstone said thefts from cars continued to be a big problem in the region.
He said most of these occurred because vehicles where left unlocked and parked in private driveways, outside the owner’s home or in public car parks.
“Lock your cars, don’t leave valuables in clear view for opportunities thieves,” Insp Humberstone warned.
He said an intense media campaign had already been launched to raise public awareness of the issue.
Insp Humberstone said although crimes against the person had increased, it was due to assaults occurring at private residences.
“While we continue to reduce our offences against the person in public venues and spaces, more needs to be done in reducing people being hurt on private property,” he said.
“We are encouraging the public to assist us in attempting to address the issue of assaults occurring on private premises through promoting the increased use of ‘PartySafe’ registration.”
Insp Humberstone said it was also good to see robberies on a downward trend over the past three years.
“It’s also great to see a big drop in property damage offences, including graffiti and burglaries on commercial premises,” he said.