DRUG crime jumped 16 per cent last year across Geelong, according to new statistics released by Victoria Police.
Burglaries on commercial properties climbed a similar amount, 17 per cent, and crimes against the person jumped a disturbing 12 per cent.
Geelong Police Inspector Gary Thompson said steady improvement had been made on crimes such as property damage and house burglaries and thefts from cars.
“Crime against the person remains a significant concern,” he said.
“Assaults excluding family violence continue to rise.
“Local police have been working with licensed venue operators, their staff, the City of Greater Geelong and local taxi providers in an effort to reduce violence in the highly frequented areas of Geelong and surrounds.
“Results have been pleasing, however, offences occurring in the outer suburbs are on the increase.”
Figures showed an overall 11.1 per cent jump in assaults from 1687 to 1874 incidents. House burglaries dropped from 1222 to 1033 while commercial burglaries climbed from 967 to 1134.
Thefts from vehicles fell appreciably, from 2377 to 1943, or 18 per cent.
Road fatalities totalled 13 for the year, “too many people”, according to Insp Thompson.
“The number of serious injuries collisions has again increased.”
— NOEL MURPHY
