Geelong violence rises 15 per cent in year

Alex de Vos
Violent crime has increased 15 per cent in Geelong over the past year, according to police statistics.
The figures for 2007/2008 also revealed that aggravated burglary had risen 12 per cent.
Police recorded more than 6000 criminal offences in Geelong for the year.
The overall crime rate was up .2 per cent but down 6.6 per cent on the Surf Coast.
Opposition police and emergency services spokesperson Andrew McIntosh said the figures confirmed police were “overstretched” in Geelong.
“Crimes like assault and aggravated burglary as well as violence on public transport are only committed when there are no police around,” Mr McIntosh said.
“If a criminal is afraid a police officer might walk around the corner any minute then they’re not going to rob or bash somebody.”
Mr McIntosh demanded State Government “immediately brings forward” 350 extra officers promised at the last election.
“A significant proportion should be applied to the Geelong region,” he said.
“Labor came up with a half-baked police numbers plan in 2006 but we need a new one to address record violence and crime in Victoria.”
Police Superintendent Graham Kent said new initiatives had been introduced to tackle violent crime.
“Assault will continue to be a key policing priority throughout the division,” Supt Kent said.
“Specialised operations have been targeting assaults and other public offences over the past 12 to 18 months.
“Through intelligence-led rostering, we have been able to provide visible police presence at the most appropriate times and are trialling a number of new initiatives to tackled alcohol-related violence.”
Member for Geelong Ian Trezise had not returned the Independent’s call for comment on Wednesday before the paper went to press yesterday.