Gerald Lynch
Crime across Hume and Whittlesea increased last financial year, but police are less concerned with the figures and more concerned with combating family violence, burglary and theft related crime.
According to Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data Hume recorded 18,257 offences in the year to 30 June, up 5.6 per cent from the year prior.
Whittlesea had an 8 per cent increase in crime with 12,921 offences recorded, compared to 11,964 the year prior.
Hume acting inspector Shayne Kerley said increase in offences could be attributed to COVID lockdowns the previous year during which crime fell substantially, and when compared to the last pre-pandemic year of 2019 the figures are actually an improvement.
“Overall crime in the Hume area has dropped by 13 per cent since pre-pandemic. Hume police will also continue to focus on youth crime, home burglaries, car thefts, and firearm related violence,” he said.
“We are making significant strides in each of these areas, as we continue to prioritise our resources according to the latest crime trends, community concerns, and ultimately where we can prevent the most harm.”
Family violence incidents have remained relatively steady, dropping by 4.7 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels.
“The statistics also indicate Hume police are continuing to arrest offenders for breaching family violence orders – with an increase of 5.7 per cent since pre-pandemic. This highlights the proactive approach taken to monitor offenders and hold them accountable for their actions.”
Acting inspector Kerley said this is a positive sign, but there is still lots of work to do to ensure everyone feels safe in their own homes, and that improving family violence remains a priority.
Whittlesea inspector Chris Allen echoed the sentiment surrounding the uptick of figures being nothing to be alarmed about.
“Given the twelve months to June 2022 included around three months of strict COVID lockdowns, the most accurate comparator when gauging overall crime trends is the most recent reporting period unaffected by any restrictions – the twelve months to June 2019,“ he said.
“Overall crime in Whittlesea has dropped by almost 20 per cent since pre-pandemic, and residential break-ins have also dropped by 36 per cent since pre-pandemic,” he said.
He said theft from motor vehicles was still a major issue.
“Locally, we are still seeing thefts from motor vehicles occur, in particular tradies’ vehicles being broken into and having valuable tools stolen. While our officers have made a number of arrests and recovered a significant amount of tools, we strongly encourage the community to take your valuable items with you when you park.”
