Crime stats rise during lockdown months

The impact of months of COVID lockdowns last year has been reflected in latest crime statistics, with the most alarming statistic in Baw Baw showing a 14.7 per cent increase in family violence incidents.

While property crime was down for the 2020 year, the number of family incidents in Baw Baw’s police area, was the highest it has been for five years.

The concerning trend was reflective of state trends, but the increase locally was above the state increase of 9.4 per cent.

The rate of family violence incidents per 100,000 people in Baw Baw was 1642, significantly higher than the state rate of 1379 per 100,000 population.

The Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) last week released figures for the 12-month period ending December 31.

Overall, there was a 6.9 per cent increase in the offences recorded in the Baw Baw, with 5090 offences compared to 4762 the previous year.

Breaches of family violence orders was the top offence group, with 606 offences recorded.  

There were 1605 offences recorded in the home, making it the highest location for offences.

Baw Baw inspector Alison Crombie said COVID restrictions had impacted crime trends.

Insp Crombie said restrictions forced many families, who were already living in vulnerable relationships, to spend more time with each other.

She said with children not attending school and parents at home more, families that were already under pressure became part of the COVID crime statistics.

“I don’t see it as a disturbing trend.  I see it as a trend due to COVID and people being forced to stay at home.

“Curfews, lockdowns and other restrictions meant less people were out of the home.

“Significant work continued to be done by police to ensure people are safe in their homes.  Our family violence unit continues to work closely with victims,” she said.

Insp Crombie said crimes against the person increased 16 per cent, which included a 29 per cent increase in sexual offences.  Stalking and harassment offences also increased.

COVID restrictions also saw an increase in drug offences across Baw Baw, where there was a 31 per cent increase, which Ms Crombie said was largely attributed to police crackdowns on people using and possessing drugs.

However, with more people at home, Ms Crombie said the ability for offenders to target homes for burglaries and thefts led to a 23 per cent decrease in crimes against property.

Burglaries decreased 31 per cent and thefts decreased 30 per cent.

The property crime decreases were significantly higher than state trends where a 12.1 per cent decrease was recorded.

“They are all offences that people need to be out and about to commit,” Insp Crombie said.

Neighbouring Latrobe City Council continued to have the second highest crime rate in the state with 17,969 offences per 100,000 population.

This compared to 9310 offences per 100,000 population in Baw Baw, 6612 in Cardinia and 5793 in South Gippsland municipalities.

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