Millicent Spencer
The latest crime statistics reveal Hume’s crime rate has dropped by 6 per cent as of September, compared to the same time last year.
In September 2022 the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) recorded 17,770 offences compared to the previous year’s 18,869 offences.
Hume Inspector Dean Clinton said the drop in crime can be attributed to both policing and the community.
“The reason our crime is down is in part due to our structures, and the operations and special efforts that we run to hold offenders to account and target hot spots with highly visible police operations,” he said.
“The reason I say ‘in part’ is because credit should also go to the community and our stakeholders, both private and public, as there is a lot of service responses and community engagement occurring in Hume that is having a positive impact.
“We can’t do it alone.”
Despite Hume’s overall drop in crime, Broadmeadows experienced a 6 per cent increase in crime in 2022 compared to the same period in 2021.
Increases were in property and deception offenses, and justice procedures offences.
Inspector Clinton said the increase in Broadmeadows can be attributed to the transition out of COVID.
“We find these crimes do fluctuate, and as we have transitioned out of COVID, we are seeing property offences increase, as more people are out and about,” he said.
“Across all of Hume the CSA data also indicates theft has increased, and this is also something we are seeing as shops have reopened and the opportunity to commit crime has increased.
“In response to these increases we are working with our shopping centres and stakeholders in our high risk locations, to address these issues through design and special operations – such as our operation Visible.”
Inspector Clinton said his team is committed to ensuring the Hume community feels safe.
“Our priorities are tackling serious and violent crime, house burglaries, general crime and road safety,” he said.
“Through Neighbourhood Policing, we also tackle what the community say is causing them concern.”
