By Alesha Capone
Hundreds of bail-breaching offences have been committed in Wyndham within a 12-month period.
Data from the Crime Statistics Agency reveals that in Wyndham, Victoria Police recorded 300 breaches of bail conditions between April last year and March this year (compared to 340 breaches within the previous 12 months).
Out of the 300 offences, 163 involved people failing to answer bail, 128 involved people contravening a conduct condition of their bail and nine involved people committing an indictable offence while on bail.
Werribee was the top suburb for people to breach bail and bail conditions, with a total of 211 offences, followed by Hoppers Crossing on 55 offences.
Point Cook, Wyndham Vale and Tarneit recorded eight bail-related offences each.
Wyndham Police Inspector Martin Allison said if a person charged with an offence was released on bail, the onus was on them to stick to their reporting duties and conditions.
“Beyond court attendance, a vast range of bail conditions can be set and include curfews, requirements to reside at a particular address or reporting requirements,” he said.
“It’s encouraging to see breach of bail offences falling in Wyndham, which indicates more people are abiding by their bail conditions.
“Another reason contributing to the reduction of bail-related offences could be that police are remanding more offenders rather than releasing on bail.”
Inspector Allison said police and the courts considered breaching bail as serious.
“Local police, including those in Wyndham, target offenders wanted for failing to answer bail, prioritising offenders identified as being a high-risk to the community,” he said.
“If someone has an outstanding warrant and wishes to avoid being arrested they should attend a station and get the matter sorted.”
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
