Coronavirus Melbourne: Crime rate falls again with second lockdown

A $1652 fine has been enough to deter many crooks across Melbourne with the crime rate falling again due to the second lockdown.

Crime is beginning to fall again across Melbourne as lockdown restrictions and the threat of coronavirus fines start to have an impact on crooks.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent confirmed the force was already seeing a reduction in some of their crime numbers since stage three restrictions were reinstated for metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire on July 8.

“Not in terms of percentages but the raw numbers we are starting to see a reduction and that comes with less people out and about,” Mr Nugent said.

“Even people who commit crimes don’t want to get a $1600 fine.”

Victoria Police said it was far too early to identify any specific trends in what crime categories had fallen, but there were fewer residential burglaries, robberies, assaults, sexual offences and home invasions in the first lockdown.

Police perform random checks on drivers and passengers at a coronavirus checkpoint. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The drop in crime during the first wave of restrictions was credited to people being at home more, but that also resulted in a slight increase in aggravated burglaries.

Police have also launched Operation Ribbon to tackle domestic violence during the pandemic, with officers from the dedicated Family Violence Investigation Unit reaching out to Victorians who they know are at risk.

Fresh figures from the Crime Statistics Agency are due in September.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent says not even crooks want to risk a $1600 fine.

It comes as 611 people have been fined for breaching the chief health officer’s directions since stage three restrictions were reinstated on July 8, including dozens of partygoers found at short-term rental properties.

Victorians have chalked up more than $1 million worth of fines since the coronavirus lockdown was reinstated a week ago.

Mr Nugent said despite having more than 1000 officers a day devoted to the coronavirus response, the force was coping with the increased workload.

“Clearly, some other police work drops off … we’re not getting the people out and about that we ordinarily would so that enables us to free up some resources,” he said.

“With any policing functions we prioritise, and this is a major priority for the country and the state and it’s something we’re committed to supporting health with to ensure we get over this sooner so people can get back to living their normal lives.”

He said police had pulled resources from across the board, and members had also been freed up with sporting and other events not being held.

About 140 police officers and 30 protective services officers are in isolation after potential exposure to the deadly virus, including more than 60 from Frankston police station.

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