By Melissa Cunningham
Halting rises in family violence, theft and street crimes are the top challenges for police in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, new crime figures reveal.
Latest data from Victoria Police shows that in Whittlesea, instances of family violence increased from 792 reported cases to 838 (6.7 per cent) in the past year.
In Hume, the situation was also dire, with family violence incidents increasing 5.8 per cent, from 1049 reported cases for the same period in 2012-13 to 1119 instances in the past year.
The statistics show an overall increase in crime in Whittlesea of
11.4 per cent last calendar year and a rise of 3.4 per cent in total crime in Hume, compared to the state average of 7.1 per cent.
Hume police’s Inspector Lisa Hardman said family violence continued to be an issue in Melbourne’s north.
“We are seeing some extraordinary numbers,” she said.
“Any form of violence towards women or children is intolerable.
“Police will take swift action to not only stop this epidemic but hold those found offending to the full extent of the law.”
Whittlesea’s Inspector Robert Dykstra said family violence remained a leading concern for police.
“We are encouraged by the increased reporting by those affected,” he said. “But we remain steadfast in our position to enforce the laws and civil orders with a zero-tolerance approach.”
Drug offences decreased slightly in Hume and Whittlesea, with 611 cases recorded in Hume in the past year, down from 708, and 571 recorded in Whittlesea, down from to 576.
Assault was down in both municipalities, with 1947 cases reported in Hume compared to 2007 in the previous year, and a drop of 12 per cent recorded in Whittlesea – from 1426 to 1394 in the past year.
But “other crime”, which includes public order and weapons offences, rose significantly in both municipalities, with Hume recording a 30.8 per cent increase (2966 cases) and Whittlesea (2700) up 57.8 per cent.
Also on the rise was theft from motor vehicles, which soared by 40.9 per cent in Whittlesea (531 cases) and 8.6 per cent (1661) in Hume.
Inspector Dykstra said more than
35 per cent of thefts from vehicles in Whittlesea involved number plates being swiped from parked cars.
“Cars that are unlocked or have items of value in clear view continue to be targeted,” he said.
“Fit one-way screws to your number plates to avoid them being stolen and refrain from leaving parking change visible on the console.”
Fewer police on beat, page 7
