By JESSE GRAHAM
WHILE crime rates are rising across the state, the Yarra Ranges saw total crime drop in the past year, despite rising domestic violence rates.
Victoria Police released its latest round of crime statistics on Wednesday 26 February, comparing 2013 crime rates to the year before.
Crime across Victoria rose 3.1 per cent in 2013, though the Yarra Ranges Police Service Area (PSA) saw a drop of 4.5 per cent overall.
Family violence incidents rose by 6 per cent in 2013, with 380 individual offences recorded compared to 358 in 2012.
Yarra Ranges Inspector Paul Rosemblum vowed that Yarra Ranges police would continue to make family violence a priority in the coming year.
“It is clear that we are progressing in the right direction as there is increased reporting of family violence matters with a noted increase in referrals to support agencies,” he said.
“We will work closely with council and other agencies to make headway in this area.
“A domestic family violence unit has been implemented and is of great assistance, providing expertise, guidance and confidence in targeting this issue.”
The rise in family violence is consistent with the state’s figures, which saw statistics rise 9 per cent – or 1793 offences – from the year before.
Assault in general – which includes family violence – saw an 11.2 per cent rise.
According to Insp Rosemblum, burglary was another key focus for police, with a dramatic fall of 26.6 per cent in residential burglary and a 24.1 per cent increase in commercial and other burglaries.
Insp Rosemblum said Yarra Ranges police had taken “significant effort” in targeting burglary across the field, though the rise in crime rates remained a concern.
“Commercial burglary continues to be an issue, but I am confident that our crime strategies combined with media strategies will result in a reduction of this offence, also,” he said.
Robbery saw a nearly 40 per cent drop in 2013, with 26 incidents reported to police compared to 43 in 2012, while crime against property rates dropped by nearly 10 per cent and drug offences dropped by 7.5 per cent.
Deaths on the road were also an issue in the area, with eight fatalities in the Yarra Ranges in 2013 – a rise of three compared to 2012.
Insp Rosemblum said road policing would remain a priority throughout 2014.
“We continue with planned visible and covert operations targeting known areas of risk,” he said.
“Media education strategies continue in our efforts to reduce serious injury collisions.”
The state road toll was 42 on Wednesday 26 February – up 38 from the same time in 2013.
The crime rates were compared for the period of 1 January-31 December in 2012 with the same period in 2013.
