By Charlene Macaulay
Crime has skyrocketed by almost 20 per cent in Wyndham in the past year.
New data released today by the Crime Statistics Agency reveals crime across the city rose from 12,820 offences in the 12 months to March 2015 to 15,353 offences over the following 12 months – with homicide and related offences doubling from seven to 14.
There was a particularly large jump in property and deception offences between April 2015 and March 2016, including rises in theft and burglary offences and arson.
Increases in assaults, drug offences, breaches of orders and stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour also contributed to the rise.
The figures come a fortnight after Wyndham Police Inspector Frank Sells announced that a 10-week Wyndham police operation to reduce the crime rate would be extended.
Since March 31, police in the Westgate division – including Footscray, Williamstown and Altona North police stations – have worked in the operation alongside Wyndham’s police community safety team, burglary unit, motor vehicle crime reduction team and uniform police.
Star Weekly has contacted Wyndham police for comment.
