Robbery, assaults rise in police stats

ERIN PEARSON
ROBBERIES and assaults have surged in Geelong amid calls for more police, according to new statistics.
The Victoria Police figures showed crimes against “a person” and robbery were up 7.7 and 9.2 per cent respectively between January and December.
Assaults, including domestic violence, increased 4.4 per cent.
Police Association Secretary Greg Davies said Geelong needed more officers to combat rising crime.
Geelong received 10 extra police in 2011.
The statistics showed Frankston’s overall crime rate fell following an influx of extra police. Frankston assaults were down 10 per cent and robberies 18.5 per cent.
Mr Davies said Geelong urgently needed more than 120 additional police.
“I hope like mad Geelong will see its fair share of police. It’s chronically under-resourced.
“If you’ve got a visible uniform presence you’re less likely to have someone committing an assault of members of the public.”
Geelong Police Inspector Gary Bruce said police would investigate how to cut crime against “vulnerable groups” over-represented as victims.
“We will maintain a strong focus on family violence and continue to encourage anyone who has experienced family violence to talk to the Geelong Family Violence Unit,” Insp Bruce said.
“The Geelong community deserves the best from its police.”
Insp Bruce said an increase in burglaries and vehicle-related offences also continued to cause concern.
Burglaries were up 25.3 per cent and theft from motor vehicles 36.9 per cent.
“The Geelong Criminal Investigation Tasking Unit remains extremely active in investigating all burglaries within the police service area and continues to make significant arrests.”
Geelong drug offences were down 3.6 per cent and property damage 13.3 per cent.
Police Minister Peter Ryan’s spokesperson said Victoria Police’s Chief Commissioner would decide the deployment of additional officers.
“The Coalition Government is confident Geelong will benefit as more Victoria Police recruits graduate from the academy,” the spokesperson said.
Surf Coast recorded a 38.4 per cent decline in drug offences and an 11.5 per cent decrease in property damage.
Inspector Bruce Kitchen said the Surf Coast’s main concern included residential burglaries, up 15.7 per cent.