CRANBOURNE
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Thursday, 5 October, 2023
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Community centre opens doors
Demand for food relief The Cranbourne Food Truck has been overwhelmed by the soaring number of people in need amid the cost-of-living crisis. The Food Truck committee is seeking support through volunteering, material and financial donations, and changes to housing restrictions in Casey. Story page 7 Linda Allan (volunteer), Marie Magdziarz, and Chris Marsh are preparing for the Tuesday food parcels. 363704 Picture: ROB CAREW
Rise in burglaries By Violet Li There’s been a surge in burglaries and thefts in Casey in the 12 months to June this year. Residential aggravated burglaries soared by almost 90 per cent to 446 over the past year and exceeded the pre-Covid level in 2019 by 103 per cent, latest crime data shows. Non-aggravated residential burglaries have risen by 25 per cent to 744. Motor vehicle theft has increased by 83 per cent to 1033 since last year. The number of thefts from a motor vehicle
is 30 per cent above the 2022 level to 2452. Other thefts have increased by 52 per cent to 1987 from 2022. Casey Local Area Commander, Inspector Stuart Richards said overall crime in Casey was at its second lowest level since 2014, factoring in population growth. “The overall number of homes being broken into across Casey increased year-on-year, however, this number remains comparatively low when compared to earlier in the decade,” he said.
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“For example, in 2017 there were almost 700 more Casey homes broken into than current levels. “While this is positive, aggravated home burglaries are an area of focus for local police.” Mr Richards said aggravated home burglaries often feature youth offenders who try to get in and out without being detected. “Our intelligence indicates 95 per cent of these incidents are non-confrontational,” he said. “Theft from motor vehicle in Casey also re-
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mains well below pre-pandemic levels, with 489 less offences than pre-COVID.” Mr Richards reminded residents to lock their door and not leave garage doors open while unattended. “Often, car keys are left near points of entry, making them easy for offenders to locate, which are subsequently used to steal cars,” he said. “Valuable items should not be left in vehicles to deter opportunistic thieves.” Continued page 5
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