Victoria Reports Sharp Decline in Overall Crime

The overall crime rate has now fallen 24.5 per cent since 2001

August 31, 2008

MELBOURNE AU NEWS -- Victoria Police earlier this month on August 18, 2008, released its official crime statistics showing that for the seventh consecutive year crime has decreased in Victoria, Australia.

The overall crime rate has now fallen 24.5% since 2001, following a 1.9 per cent decrease per 100,000 population in 2007 - 2008. Crime rates are now at their lowest point since the introduction of computerized recording in 1993.

Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon said, "I am pleased to see that once again there has been a drop in the number of crimes reported across Victoria and this is a credit to the hard work of our members." Nixon continued, "Wyndham is one of the largest growth corridors in the state and to achieve such a turnaround in the numbers of reported crime is fantastic, especially when there has been such a dramatic decrease in violent offences."

Wyndham Police Service Area recorded the largest drop in crime achieving a 24.5% reduction. This included a 7.7% reduction in robbery and 29.6% decrease in assaults. Other areas to experience a reductions in crime included Frankston, Dandenong, Knox, Moonee Valley and Stonnington.

Unfortunately, the Victoria police expressed concern over the rise in theft of motor vehicle satellite navigation systems that are being stolen. On average nearly 19 satellite navigation systems per day are being stolen across Victoria. The result is an increase of 316% in 2007 alone. In between 2006 and 2007 there were 1,632 systems stolen, which with the increased in thefts now equals 6,787 per year.

Chief Commissioner Nixon commenting on the rate of thefts said, "The number of Global Positioning Systems being stolen is astounding and what makes it more concerning is that this is a preventable crime."

Theft from motor vehicles accounts for almost 14% of all crimes reported to Victoria Police. Motor vehicle drivers are encouraged to remove satellite navigation systems, cell phones and other small electronic equipment from sight, especially, when using public parking. motor vehicle theft is a opportunistic crime, therefore, this type of crime can be reduced by citizens if do not leave valuables in their cars.

Likewise, Australia is considered a major consumer of cocaine and amphetamines, therefore, Victoria also has its share of illegal drug use. However, drug cultivation, manufacturing and trafficking crimes have decreased 11.5% since last year, due Victoria Police targeting the higher level players in the drug industry.

Moreover, Victoria's Drug State Taskforce arrested 79 offenders in investigations predominately relating to amphetamine type substances such as speed, ecstasy, and ice. Additionally, 40 Clandestine laboratories have been shut down and the majority of those located were for the production of tubby toast (methylamphetamine).

Finally, Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon ended her report by saying, "There are many areas where crime has decreased which continue to make Victoria a safe place to live in. I am proud of the achievements made by my members."

Yes, Chief Commissioner you, Victoria Police Department and the citizens of Victoria, Australia have a lot to be proud of, "Job well done."

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Cribmaster

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