By JESSE GRAHAM
CRIME statistics have skyrocketed in the Cardinia area, according to the latest statistics, but key crimes, such as family violence, remain higher in the Yarra Ranges.
The latest round of Victoria Police statistics were released on Wednesday 28 May and outlined a rise in crime for both Police Service Areas (PSAs) between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014 compared to the same time in the previous year.
In the Yarra Ranges, total crime rates rose from 6144 to 6569 offences – a rise of 6.9 per cent – while in Cardinia, statistics jumped 22 per cent, from 4984 to 6080 offences over the 12 months
However, Cardinia Inspector Rob Wallace said the dramatic rise in offences recorded was due to improved police presence on the streets.
“In simple terms, local police have detected hundreds of extra offenders for offences such as the possession of weapons, anti-social behaviour and similar,” he said.
“It is also an indication that local policing strategies to ensure police are in the right areas at the right times are having an impact.”
Family violence assaults rose in both PSAs over the time period, with a 20 per cent rise in the Yarra Ranges and a 7 per cent rise in Cardinia.
Yarra Ranges Inspector Colin McKinney said that the jump in statistics can be attributed to more confidence in the community in reporting cases to police.
“Yarra Ranges (police) will continue to focus on family violence,” Insp McKinney said.
“Improved confidence is already apparent through the increased reporting of family violence and increased referrals of people in need to support agencies.”
A divisional family violence unit is currently operating in the Yarra Ranges to target the issue and provide guidance to those in need.
On a number of other key crime issues, the two PSAs had a divide between their results, with contrasting rises and falls for certain offences.
Drug offences dropped 4 per cent in Cardinia across the time period, but rose 6.7 per cent in the Yarra Ranges in the same time.
Meanwhile, property damage dropped 11 per cent in the Yarra Ranges, but jumped 18 per cent in Cardinia.
Thefts from motor vehicles rose 9.3 per cent across both PSAs, with theft offences rising from 548 to 599 in Cardinia and from 560 to 612 in the Yarra Ranges.
Both officers said that thieves target motor vehicles opportunistically, and urged drivers to take care to lock vehicles and leave valuables out of sight.
“It was evident during the reporting process that victims were leaving vehicles unlocked in garages, driveways and on residential streets,” Insp McKinney said.
“Most of the damage and vehicle related crimes are opportunistic,” Insp Wallace said.
“The local community can play a major part in reducing these offences from occurring by removing valuables and ensuring vehicles are locked and secured at all times, preferably off the street in a garage or driveway.”
Road policing was a major issue for both areas, and while the Cardinia PSA recorded a dramatic drop in road fatalities from nine in the 2012 calendar year down to one in 2013 – an increase of deaths was seen in the Yarra Ranges.
In the 2013 calendar year, eight people died on Yarra Ranges roads, up from five the year before.
Insp McKinney said that young and elderly drivers were the most vulnerable road users, and said one of the key risks for road fatalities or serious injuries was distraction or speeding.
Insp Wallace echoed these comments and encouraged drivers to play their part in road safety by respecting other road users and following the road rules.
For more information on the latest police statistics, visit www.police.vic.gov.au.
