By Bonny Burrows
Victoria Police has announced some simple measures that residents can take to further drive down local crime rates.
As crime rates in Cardinia Shire fall, Victoria Police Cardinia Local Area Commander Inspector Shane Smith said police would not become complacent, and instead were encouraged to continue working hard to tackle local crime.
“For the first time in years, high volume crime such as theft of and theft from motor car are trending down.
“While it is pleasing to see this is heading in the right direction, we know there is still a way to go,” Inspector Smith said.
As well as the hard work of his officers, Inspector Smith said community members could also take some simple steps to assist in preventing crime.
Simple things, he said, such as locking cars and work vehicles when unattended in the street or driveways and placing items of value away from sight helped deter theft from motor vehicles.
“Tradies, don’t leave your tools visible in your work vehicles and tailers when unattended,” Inspector Smith said.
Residents were also advised to consider personal security when at home, such as locking front doors and keeping garages closed.
“Also our intelligence shows that social media is playing a significant role in an increase of both common assaults and sexual assaults,” he said.
He said offenders were using a variety of platforms to target victims, and “we ask the community to remain vigilant and be smart while using the internet”.
“I also take this opportunity to remind parents and guardians to education your children on safe online use, including the dangers of talking to and accepting friendship requests from strangers,” Inspector Smith said.
He asked residents to report any suspicious behaviour to their local police or to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Inspector Smith’s tips come as it was reveal by the Crime Statistics Agency that Cardinia Shire Crime rates had fallen by 13.9 per cent in the past year.
