BURGLARIES rose in Maroondah and the Yarra Ranges in the past year, according to crime statistics released by Victoria Police this morning.
The annual crime data showed residential burglaries in Maroondah increased 37.8 per cent from the period of July 2011 to June 2012, or an additional 113 offences in the same period the year before.
The increase in Yarra Ranges was 20.4 per cent.
Theft from cars also rose from the previous year in Maroondah, but decreased in Yarra Ranges.
In Maroondah, assaults decreased by 7.3 per cent; robbery by 24.2 per cent; and stolen cars, 8.1 per cent.
Yarra Ranges had increases in instances of robbery (12 per cent) and property damage (2.3 per cent).
Maroondah’s Inspector Peter Wheeler said he was pleased some significant reductions had been achieved across key crime categories, but that traffic offences would continue being a focus.
‘‘The challenge for police is to now target residential burglaries and theft from motor vehicle offences,’’ he said.
‘‘Road fatalities are reflecting the same figure as for the previous period, being three. However, Maroondah has had an increase in serious injuries from 266 to 334, which is an additional 68.
‘‘Highway patrol units remain committed to dedicated traffic operations, whilst general duties police are increasing enforcement activities to influence adjustments to driving behaviour.’’
Yarra Ranges’ Inspector Paul Rosenblum said property crime was a major focus for police in the shire.
‘‘Whilst the figures reflect a marginal increase, this increase is lower than many other areas in the state,’’ he said.
‘‘The Yarra Ranges proactive policing unit has now embedded itself within the Lilydale police complex and has focused on high-risk community locations such as railway stations and shopping centres.’’
There were more road fatalities in Yarra Ranges for the period than the previous year, but a decrease in the number of serious injuries on the roads of 9.7 per cent.