By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
LESS than impressed but not surprised at the jump in crime confirmed by recent statistics Cranbourne residents put the spike down to drug addictions and the cost of living.
Experiencing a surge in robberies – up 39 per cent on last year’s figures – along with burglary and ‘break and enters’ up 14 per cent, Victoria Norris from Cranbourne thinks it could be a direct link with ice.
“I know that there’s quite a big drug problem happening in the region and maybe theft is feeding their drug habits,” Ms Norris said.
A new mum Ms Norris said it may be time to look into installing an alarm system with the figures released on Thursday 1 October by the Crime Statistics Agency showing a jump of 25 per cent in theft on the previous year.
“An alarm would just increase comfort and you don’t want to not be able to do things out of fear, everyone has to look after their own neighbourhood – these stats are an eye opener but I’d like to see how other regions compare,” she said.
“Because unfortunately there’s a bit of stigmatism attached to Cranbourne, like ‘Crimebourne’ but if it’s jumping this much where are we going to be in a few years’ time.”
The numbers showed sexual offences had moved upward more than 30 per cent in Casey, but 17-year-old Tegan Weir from Cranbourne West said she was not surprised having been followed home numerous times.
“I don’t feel very good when I hear stuff like this, but I do see a lot of it in the area I live,” Ms Weir explained.
“My next door neighbour got robbed and with so many young people in Casey I think that could be a contributing factor, but it shouldn’t be happening regardless.”
Long-term resident of Devon Meadows John O’Brien said the solid increase in crime made him feel insecure, adding that he’ll stay out of dark areas and always walk with the crowds.
“I’ve lived here for 40 years and I’m not surprised – Casey is not a wealthy area and people are on limited income, many have a drug habit they need to support and the best way to do it is by theft,” Mr O’Brien said.
As syringes left in public places become more common in the City of Casey, the stats revealed local police had dealt with more than 180 people for drug use and possession this financial year compared with last year.
Drug dealing and trafficking jumped from 153 recorded offences to 179, and stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour saw an increase of 32 per cent.
John Hall from Cranbourne said he was horrified.
After moving to Casey from Alexandra 10 years ago, Mr Hall said he was welcomed to the city with a sexual offence.
“We had come from an area where there’s very little crime to experiencing someone get molested on the crossing a hundred yards from where I live after just moving in – it’s scary,” Mr Hall explained.
With the city up 61 recorded offences for assaults between July 2014 and June 2015, Mr Hall said he wouldn’t drive to work at 3am without his car doors locked.
“I won’t go walking by myself, I’d rather walk somewhere else,” he said.
“I’ve got locks on my windows, have everything insured, I’ve done everything I can do already.”
The Crime Statistics Agency report also exposed that Casey’s homicide and related offences were up more than 30 per cent on last year’s numbers.
