A rise in arson, theft, sexual offences and drug offences has fuelled a 14.2 per cent crime spike across Wyndham.
A total 15,784 offences were committed across the city in the year to September 30 –up from 13,816 over the same period last year, figures from the Crime Statistics Agency reveal.
In particular, there were substantial increases in the number of sexual offences (up 33.5 per cent), arson offences (49.5 per cent), drug offences (21.5 per cent) and theft (13.8 per cent) over that period.
On the flip side, there have been noticeable decreases in the number of homicides (down 50 per cent), deceptions (11.1 per cent), and public order offences (7.4 per cent), mainly weapons offences (21.7 per cent).
Release of the figures follows a Star Weekly report about a group of Point Cook men who are so fed up with the lack of police presence on their streets that they’ve organised their own night patrols.
Senior Sergeant Peter Bitton said the rise in crime could be attributed to a rise in family violence incidents and targeted investigations.
“Although we ultimately want to see a reduction in family violence offences an initial increase is somewhat encouraging as it appears victims now have the confidence to come forward and report these matters knowing that they will be supported by police and a thorough investigation will be undertaken,” he said.
“Police continue to focus on reducing crime across a number of areas with dedicated units targeting vehicle crime, family violence and house and business break-ins.
“We also have a team conducting patrols of our public areas including Pacific Werribee, Point Cook Town Centre and our transport hubs.
“On top of this we continue our core functions of road policing, crime investigation, response units and customer service at our two police stations.
“We are also undertaking a number of pro-active measures that will see us engaging with youth around Wyndham with the view to strengthening these relationships.”
Senior Victoria Police and the state government have rejected claims that the state is in the midst of a “crime tsunami”.
