ERIN PEARSON
Criminal gangs are behind a spike in robberies around Geelong, according to police.
New statistics from Victoria Police show Geelong has recorded the state’s biggest rise in robberies, up 40.3 per cent increase over the past 12 months.
Geelong also recorded the third largest increase in residential burglaries, up 7.7 per cent with an additional 90 offences.
The statistics showed a general statewide falling in crime, down 6.9 per cent overall.
Geelong Police Inspector Gary Thompson blamed a “small minority” for the city’s increase in robberies and burglaries.
“A couple of crews running through Geelong late last year saw an operation commenced to address those issues but then, unfortunately, there was a couple of chaps down from Queensland who moved into Winchelsea who caused us a lot of grief ,” Insp Thompson said.
“We’re doing everything possible to make sure the community feels safe.
“Any spike or jump puts us on notice.”
Insp Thompson said “intelligence regimes” would continue working on strategies to address prevention and prosecution in Geelong.
“I’ve allocated task police to certain areas and our criminal investigation department is tackling issues also,” he said.
“This is a huge focus.”
Insp Thompson called Geelong’s spike in robberies and burglaries late last year “coincidental” but urged residents to be vigilant about security.
“We don’t want people to go into a siege mentality but if you’re running around the streets with a laptop under your arm, with an iPod visible and an iPhone in your hand you’re letting everyone know what you’ve got.
“We want people to try to reduce these opportunities.”
Dienna Davis, of crime victims referral and support service Centacare Geelong, said robberies and burglaries took their toll on victims.
Some required long-term counselling, installation of home security equipment and “general all-round support”, she said.
