Michaela Meade
Theft is down across the board in Hume and Whittlesea, according to new Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data.
According to the CSA, the number of thefts recorded in Hume and Whittlesea decreased in the 12 months to March 2021, with theft of jewellery, personal property and car accessories having the most dramatic decrease in both municipalities.
In Hume, theft of jewellery decreased from 1062 items in the year to March, 2020, to 350 in the year to March, 2021 – a difference of 712 items.
Theft of personal property fell from 1211 items to 705 over the same time period, and car accessory thefts fell from 1432 to 999, a difference of 506 and 433 respectively.
Acting Inspector Shayne Kerley said the decrease could be largely attributed to lockdowns Victorians experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“For the majority of time between April, 2020 and March, 2021, Victorians had significant restrictions placed on their movement… This significantly impacted the criminal offending across the state… as offender movement was limited which impacted on the ability for opportunistic crimes to be committed,” acting Inspector Kerley said.
“We want to reassure the community that police will continue to work hard to prevent and disrupt offending to keep numbers down.
“Based on intelligence, police will proactively task officers to patrol known hotspots within the Hume area to ensure the community not only is safe, but they also feel safe.”
Acting Inspector Kerley said that while the decrease in recorded crime in the area is “pleasing”, the community should not become complacent.
“Be sure to secure your vehicle even if parked in a well-lit area, remove any valuable items and lock all windows and doors to your home,” he said.
“Community members are encouraged to monitor their local Eyewatch page for further advice, information and safety tips.”
In Whittlesea, theft of jewellery decreased from 778 items in the year to March, 2020, to 194 in the year to March, 2021 –a difference of 584.
Theft of personal property fell from 1094 items to 592 over the same time period, and car accessory thefts fell from 1013 to 692, a difference of 502 and 321 respectively.
