More people, but crime on the decline

CRIME is on the decline in the Cardinia region, new figures have revealed.
Despite the rapidlyincreasing population, police have recorded a drop in the number of reported crimes over the past 12 months.
Pakenhambased District Inspector Chris Notman said the 2.7 per cent decrease was a great achievement. About 3100 crimes were reported to police in the 200506 financial year.
“That is 88 fewer crimes than the previous year,” Insp Notman said.
“Cardinia is one of the safest places to live in this region. It has the second lowest crime rate per 100,000 population in region five, which includes Springvale, Mornington Peninsula and goes east to the New South Wales border.
General thefts had decreased significantly in Cardinia, he said.
On a more worrying note, the number of property damages rose by 20 per cent in the 12month period, while theft of motor cars also increased by 17 per cent.
Insp Notman said crime dropped in every centre with a police station except Lang Lang.
Pakenham, Bunyip, Emerald and Kooweerup all experienced a decrease in crime.
Crime in Lang Lang was up by 19 per cent from 51 reported incidents to 61, but Insp Notman said there were no significant increases in any particular crime category.
“In considering these statistics, it is important to remember that the crimes committed are low volume and small variances can dramatically increase or decrease the changes,” he said.
“This year police will be working hard with other agencies to reduce these figures further.
“In particular we will be working at reducing property damage offences and theft of motor cars.”