Darebin crime: theft from cars in Northcote, Preston Market a problem

OPPORTUNISTIC thieves are taking advantage of unsuspecting victims at Preston Market, police warn.

DAREBIN remains a hot spot for opportunistic criminals, the latest Crime Statistic Agency figures reveal.

But most crimes have decreased in the year to June, including a significant reduction in burglary, theft and deception in Preston and Reservoir.

SPEED SEIZED IN RESERVOIR

TEENAGERS ATTACK AT NORTHLAND

Overall the crime rate dropped 10 per cent to 14,691 offences.

Theft offences fell more than 7 per cent but are still higher than surrounding municipalities.

Darebin recorded 6658 theft offences, compared to Moreland (5927), Whittlesea (5759) and Banyule (3254).

Darebin Inspector Tom Ebinger said about 80 per cent of the crime was committed by people living outside of Darebin.

Insp Ebinger said theft from parked cars remained a major issue, particularly around Northcote and the Preston Market.

Police say the Preston Market and Preston station carpark is a hot spot for theft from cars.

“It’s all opportunistic. Offenders are coming along and trying door handles, or seeing valuables in cars,” he said.

Police have launched several community campaigns to encourage the public to lock their cars and remove valuables in order to reduce theft.

SEXUAL ATTACKS ON THE RISE

The number of sexual assaults increased almost 24 per cent to 255 offences.

Insp Ebinger said the rise reflected new attitudes in society.

“We are wanting people to come forward and the royal commission has highlighted (those issues) among the community,” he said.

“I think people are becoming aware that they do have rights and they should have confidence in the police and the justice system.”

Stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour also increased, up more than 15 per cent to 263 offences.

This was higher than Moreland (244), Banyule (233), and Yarra (198).

Deception offences had dropped almost everywhere in Darebin, including a 40 per cent decrease in Preston to 514 offences.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said the Government’s investment in Victoria Police was making a difference to the crime rate.

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