THE community is continuing to be encouraged to report criminal activities to enable police action.
Ongoing support for the Dob in a Dealer to reduce drug offences is also vital, the area’s senior police officer, Inspector Dan Davidson said.
Seven more crimes were reported within the Shire of Gannawarra between April 2015 and March this year compared with the previous 12 months.
Forty-eight drug-related offences occurred between April 2015 and March 2016, with dealing and trafficking matters halved to six.
“We have continually encouraged the public to assist police in reducing the amount drugs within our communities,” Inspector Davison said.
“Through initiatives, such as the ‘Dob in a Dealer’ campaign via Crime Stoppers we have been successful in prosecuting drug traffickers.
“We continually require information and encourage the public to let us know who in their community are involved in the drug trade. This is best done through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 where callers can remain anonymous.”
Statistics released recently revealed that the area’s crime rate increased from 557 to 564 – an increase of 1.3 per cent.Crimes against property accounted for close to half of reported offences, with arsons rising from seven to 14, whilst thefts dropped by 17.
“The rise of reported arson offences is due to our zero tolerance approach to accidental or recklessly lit fires during the Fire Danger Period,” Inspector Davison said.
Four less crimes against the person were reported during the study period, with assaults falling by 12 to 56.
“A reduction in assault offences year on year is certainly encouraging. The more respect the community shows one another, the more I would expect these figures to reduce over time,” Inspector Davison said.
The majority of the shire’s crime increase resulted in the 3579 postcode – which includes Kerang, Macorna, Murrabit and Mystic Park – with reported matters rising from 332 to 348 during the 12-month period.
Although crimes against the person were down by 12, drug offences increased from 18 to 29 and property and deception offences increased by 19.
The crime rate for Cohuna and surrounds fell from 116 to 114, with drug related offences halved and crimes against the person increasing from 19 to 27.
Property and deception offences at Quambatook dropped from 14 to six, but increased by three at Leitchville.
Public order and security offences up doubled from two to four at Koondrook, but crimes against the person dropped from 11 to eight, whilst property and deception increased from four to five at Lake Charm.
